A few changes may be forthcoming in how employees with civil service protection appeal disciplinary actions.

During a meeting Thursday, the three-member Forsyth County Civil Service Board discussed with Ken Jarrard, county attorney, issues involving the board’s appeal hearing time frame, continuance policy and settlements.

Pat Carson, the county’s personnel services director, also attended the session.

The proposed changes include modifying time limitations so that a hearing could occur more than 120 days after an appeal has been filed, provided a continuance has been granted. That time limit, however, would not extend past 180 days.

The board suggested allowing the civil service clerk to grant initial requests for continuances that are uncontested.

Subsequent requests, as well as those that are contested, would be decided by the board’s hearing officer, a position currently held by local attorney Dana Miles.

The board would also like to add to its handbook a section that deals specifically with settlements.

The group agreed that once a matter is settled between the county and an employee, the appeal should be withdrawn.

In addition, a statement showing any disciplinary action as a result of the settlement would be placed in the board’s file on the case, as well as the employee’s personnel file.

Jarrard agreed to send civil service members a copy of the requested revisions for their review before seeking approval from the county commission.

The civil service board’s next meeting is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Forsyth County Public Safety Complex.