If there are changes of duties in the organization, lack of work, or lack of funds, the appointing authority may lay off employees; however, the appointing authority shall first make every reasonable effort to integrate those employees into another department by transfer. When layoffs are required, the appointing authority shall base the decision on relative merit, and shall give due consideration to seniority in the City service only where the employee’s qualifications and ability are relatively equal. (Ords. 336, 537)