Civil service.

(1) Upon adoption of an administrative code and also upon the adoption of a charter, all officers and employees in the classified service of the county shall be transferred to the department, division, or agency to which the functions, powers, and duties in which they were engaged are allocated under the administrative code. Such transfer shall be without examination or diminution of existing compensation, pension or retirement rights, privileges, or obligations of any such officer or employee existing immediately prior to the referendum at which the charter was adopted. It is the intent of the Legislature that the adoption of any plan required by the charter shall not adversely affect the civil service tenure, pension, seniority, or promotional rights of any county officer or employee in the classified service.

(2) The board of county commissioners of any county adopting a charter may, by ordinance, administer the merit system through a county department of civil service unless otherwise provided by the charter. Such administration shall include classification, recruitment, examination, establishment of eligibility lists, grievances, compensation, and other conditions of employment pursuant to law.