The Hutto City Council discussed implementing municipal civil service at its Feb. 6 meeting.

As part of the Local Government Code, civil service governs the hiring, promoting and disciplinary aspects of police personnel. A three-person commission and director are responsible for choosing and holding officer exams, hearing appeals to disciplinary action and other duties.

A petition to implement civil service is currently being circulated around the city of Hutto. The petition must garner the number of signatures equal to 10 percent of the number of voters of the last city election to be placed on a ballot for resident vote.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ronnie Quintanilla-Perez voiced concerns that the new system would undermine the way the city currently runs its police department and lead to problems with disciplinary procedures.

"We could have an officer score well on the commission's test, but treat residents badly," she said. "The commission could discipline an employee, but then the employee could appeal. It would be a long cycle."

Community Impact will continue to write on this issue as it develops.