§ 12. Demotions or Suspensions.

A department head shall have authority in his department to demote any subordinate employee by and with the consent and approval of the board, provided, however, that upon written demand filed with the board within five days from the date of the order of demotion the employee shall be given a public hearing by the board before any order of demotion shall be final. A department head shall have authority to suspend any subordinate employees in his department pending the hearing by the board. Any head of department may be similarly suspended or demoted by the city governing body and he or she shall have the same right of hearing by the board.