City of Huntsville v. Smartt

These are consolidated appeals by the City of Huntsville and certain named City officials (City) from both a preliminary order and a final decree enjoining the promotion of a City of Huntsville Fire Department employee to the rank of District Fire Chief. The circuit court based its order on a finding that "advancement bypassing" had occurred as a result of the procedure utilized in making the employee's appointment.

We reverse.

For the information and protection of the City's employees, an "Employee Handbook" was compiled and distributed. A portion of the handbook outlines the procedure by…