In all cities of the second class and in any city of the fourth class having a population of not less than 6,000 inhabitants, governed hereby, the board of commissioners may, in their discretion, provide by ordinance for the appointment of a deputy by each or such of the directors of departments as may be deemed necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the affairs of such departments. The deputies shall serve during the terms of the directors making the appointments, but any deputy so appointed may be removed by his principal at any time, and such removal shall not be reviewable. If an officer or employee of a municipality is designated to perform the duties of a deputy in addition to the performance of the ordinary duties of his office or employment, the expiration of the term of his principal, or his removal from the office of deputy, shall not affect his right to the office or employment held by him at and before his designation as deputy, the duties of which office or employment he has continued to perform.

Each director shall prescribe, in writing, the powers and duties of the deputy so appointed by him and the acts of such deputy within the scope of his authority shall in all cases be as legal and binding as if done and performed by the director for whom he is acting, but such deputies shall not be authorized to act for directors at meetings of the board of commissioners.

Nothing in this section contained shall be construed to place any deputy or deputies, appointed pursuant to the authority hereof, within the operation of the laws affecting civil service.

Amended by L.1964, c. 212, s. 1, eff. Oct. 21, 1964; L.1968, c. 333, s. 1, eff. Nov. 13, 1968; L.1971, c. 302, s. 1, eff. Aug. 27, 1971.