When the department, after hearing, determines that a local merit system is not in conformity with the established standards, it shall notify such local agency and appropriate state officer in writing of its decision. If the governing body of the local agency does not bring the system into conformity within 60 days of notification of the department's decision, or within such longer period as the department determines, the department shall certify to the state officer having responsibility for the overall administration of the program, pursuant to which the grant-in-aid requiring such merit system was made, that the particular merit system is not in conformity with established standards.
Ca. Gov. Code § 19806