There is hereby adopted a merit system for the employees of the city, the provisions of which shall apply to all employees of the city except elected officials, officers of the city appointed by the council, persons engaged under contract to supply expert, professional or technical services, temporary employees, volunteer firemen and volunteer personnel who receive no regular compensation from the city. (Ord. No. 2003-15, §§ 1, 2, 11-4-03. 1976 Code § 3-2-1)