The career service hearing is a de novo hearing in which a hearing officer must consider all the evidence on all the issues presented in the appeal as though no previous action had been taken. In re Luna, CSB 42-07, 4 (1/30/09), citing
Turner v Rossmiller, 532 P.2d 751 (Colo. App. 1975).
Hearing officer may conduct a de novo review of the reasonableness of discipline in light of the facts as they exist at the time of hearing. This approach balances the need for prompt resolution of disciplinary appeals and the requirement of certainty in outcome. In re Williams, CSA 65-05, 7 (11/17/05).
The City Charter requires that Career Service appeals must be determined de novo. Such a determination requires an independent fact-finding hearing and the resolution of factual disputes. In re Owens, CSA 139-04, 5 (3/31/05), citing City Charter C5.25 (4); Turner v. Rossmiller, 532 P.2d 751 (Colo. App. 1975).
An appellant is entitled to a hearing de novo on the disputed factual issues. In re Katros, CSA 129-04, 6 -7 (3/16/05), citing Turner v. Rossmiller, 532 P.2d 751 (Colo. App. 1975); City Charter C5.25 (4).