30
grain’s acceptance has been its first leg
islative test. The Civil Service Commis
sion sponsored and, with assistance from
department heads and other interested
groups, obtained legislative approval of
amendments aimed at improving ad
ministration of the act. These amend
ments meant a substantial savings to
the state both in tangible and intangible
cost?. A few amendments aimed at
weakening the program were intro
duced or tentatively, advanced. Éxcept
for a single minor amendment, all were
defeated before reaching any advanced
stage. It would thus appear th a t to
date public reaction has at least not
been unfavorable to the personnel pro
gram.
Despite the possibly pessimistic tone
o f many of our remarks, it is believed
that by continued application of the
philosophy outlined in this discussion,
the Oregon Civil Service Commission
can continue to occupy its modest place
in the state government, confident of
its w orth and justifying its'existence by
a reasonable b u t' not a complacent
margin.
RETIREM EN T PLAN
FOR W A SH IN G TO N ,
The Association of Washington Cities
reporting in the Western C ity, April,
1947, says, "One of the outstanding
accomplishments of the session was the
passage of the retirement bill for mis
cellaneous employees of all’ycities not
now having a plan and for policemen
of second, third and fourth class cities.
"Chapter 71, laws of ’47, will pro
vide an actuarially sound pension plan
aimed at retiring municipal employees
at specified ages lat half salary, avail
able to any city desiring to participate.
"Costs will probably range between
Bedmond
(Houk) Motor Co.
Redmond Tractor Co.
Redmond Appliances
Redmond, Oregon
Prineville, Oregon
five and ten per cent of the payroll
depending on the extent of prior serv
ice costs a member city may wish to
undertake and the age of einployees
involved. Participation;.is, on a purely
voluntary basis. This : bill , is considered
One. of the most progressive steps yet
taken in the state regarding personnel
legislation.”