RSA 49-C:18: Appointive Powers.

Subject to the provision of the charter, the chief administrative officer shall have the power to appoint and remove all officers and employees in the administrative services of the city, and he may authorize and empower the head of a department or officer responsible to him to appoint and remove subordinates in such department or office. All such appointments shall be without definite term unless made for a provisional, temporary or emergency service not to exceed the maximum limits which may be prescribed by the merit plan.