The metropolitan council shall establish and provide for the operation and maintenance of a personnel merit system for the employment, classification, promotion, demotion, suspension, transfer, layoff and discharge of its appointive officers and employees solely on the basis of merit and fitness without regard to political influence or affiliation. The person appointed or body created for the purpose of administering such personnel system shall have power to make, amend and repeal rules and regulations as are deemed necessary for such merit system. Such rules and regulations shall provide:
RCW 35.58.370