Wisconsin Statutes Municipalities (Ch. 59 to 68) § 63.39. Vacancies, how filled

(1) If a position classified and graded under ss. 63.18 to 63.53 becomes vacant, the appointing officer may fill the position or let it remain vacant. If the appointing officer chooses to fill the vacant position, the appointing officer may, with the approval of the board of city service commissioners, fill it through reinstatement, promotion, reduction or open competitive examination. If the appointing officer chooses not to fill the vacant position by reinstatement, promotion or reduction, the appointing officer shall so notify the board. Except as provided under sub. (2), if the board is so notified, it shall certify to the appointing officer from the list of eligibles the names and addresses of any number of persons standing highest on the list, in accordance with rules established by the board. All persons on the list who have the same test score shall be included on the same certification. If there are less than 3 names upon an eligible list, certification shall be made and, unless objection is made by the appointing officer to the person or persons so certified and the objection sustained by the board, appointment shall be made under the rules.

(2) If the appointing officer chooses not to fill a vacant managerial, supervisory or confidential position through reinstatement, promotion or reduction, the appointing officer shall so notify the board of city service commissioners. If the board is so notified, it shall certify to the appointing officer from the list of eligibles the names and addresses of any number of persons standing highest on the list, in accordance with rules established by the board. All persons on the list who have the same test score shall be included on the same certification. If there are less than 5 names on an eligible list, certification shall be made and, unless objection is made by the appointing officer to the person or persons so certified and unless the objection is sustained by the board, appointment shall be made under the rules.

(2m) Notwithstanding s. 63.08(1)(fm), the board shall certify persons from the list of eligibles without adding preference points to their grades. After the certification under sub. (1) or (2), the board shall add to the certification list any veteran or veteran's spouse whose grade, plus the points to which the veteran or spouse is entitled under s. 63.08(1)(fm), is equal to or higher than the lowest grade on the list of eligibles.

(3) An appointing officer under this section shall select, solely with reference to merit and fitness, the number of persons for which the appointing officer has made requisition. In case the board cannot certify eligibles for appointment, it may grant to the appointing officer authority to make appointment for a period not to exceed 2 months or until regular appointment can be made.