By JC Medina
The Lacey Civil Service Commission voted unanimously to appoint Irakl Uong as the new civil service examiner and secretary, effective June 1.
The commission made the decision at a meeting on Monday, May 5.
Uong, who currently serves as a human resources (HR) analyst supporting the Lacey Police Department, will take over the responsibilities from HR Director Leilani Su’e, who will remain available as a backup.
“This would be the official title, and any exam plans or review of candidates for eligibility lists would transition to him as of the date of his promotion,” Su’e said.
“I will continue to be HR director, but he will be the official signatory for all of our lists and the keeper of the rules moving forward,” Su’e added.
In addition to the appointment, the commission discussed a series of proposed updates to the city’s Civil Service rules.
The most notable changes include clarifying the city’s rehire provisions and updating meeting times and terminology in the rulebook.
“We’ve been working on review of the rehire provisions to be clearer… and we’ve made some changes in the rules for your consideration,” Su’e explained.
For clarity, the term “reinstatement” is being replaced with “rehire,” and additional language has been added to specify how pay, benefits and service calculations will be restored for returning employees.
The commission also proposed moving future meeting start times to noon from 12:15 p.m., citing scheduling challenges with Zoom.
These updates will be sent to employee unions for review before returning for formal commission approval in August.
During the meeting, Lacey Police Department Chief Robert Almada provided an update on department hiring and legislative matters.
The police department's hiring portal, which closed in December 2024 for test validation, is expected to reopen within the next two weeks.
The chief was skeptical about a new $100 million state grant program for police hiring.
"There are numerous stock gaps in that bill that prevent anyone from really actively being able to apply for that grant," Almada said.
He noted the program lacks a clear funding mechanism and has been labeled a low legislative priority.
The next Civil Service Commission meeting is scheduled for August and will continue at the usual start time of 12:15 p.m. unless otherwise amended.
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