Elected officials, mayors and council members from Northampton, Bath, Coplay, Lehighton, Wilson, Freemansburg, Tatamy, Coopersburg and other boroughs recently met in Lehighton for the Mid Eastern Counties Association of Boroughs meeting.

The conference dealt with Civil Service procedures and issues affecting municipal employees and elected leaders.

Attorney Michael McAuliffe Miller, who represents municipalites across the state on Civil Service matters, pensions, hiring and terminations, spoke about issues involving employee contract talks.

He said that elected officials often devote more time to budget items than preparing for negotiations involving their employees.

Civil Service for boroughs applies to three or more full-time employees or three part time workers with regular schedules.

"That's what the court says," Miller said.

Hiring practices must be followed by strict strandards and administered by the Civil Service Commission, noting eligibility, listings, oral and written examinations.

"Always hire from the top three, the fourth moves up," Miller advised delegates.

Disqualification of candidates for positions can be for lying or drug substance abuse, or because the individual is physically or mentally unqualified for the position, according to Miller.

Regarding police applicants, they have to be Act 120 compliant.

The probationary period is one year and Miller advised the elected personnel when the one-year term begins.

"Establishing the rules isn't as easy as you think," Miller said.

Personnel and grievance matters were also discussed during the meeting.

"You have home court advantage," Miller said regarding arbitration.

Police chiefs do not have Civil Service, Miller noted. Also, good background checks are vital in hiring practices, elected officials were told.

Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra asked if boroughs can be reimbursed for the cost of background checks. Miller replied applicants can be charged a fee and in instances invlolving police candidates, the police chief can conduct such reviews.

"Background checks are critical," Miller continued.