(1) A merit system officer holding a permanent appointment may be demoted, reduced in pay, suspended, or discharged for:
(a) neglect of duty;
(b) disobedience of a reasonable order;
(c) misconduct;
(d) inefficiency, or inability to satisfactorily perform assigned duties; or
(e) any act inimical to the public service.
(2) No merit system officer shall be suspended for more than 30 days at one time, nor more than 60 days in one year.
(3) Demotion, reduction in pay, suspension, or discharge shall be made upon order of the appointing authority.