Which method is invalid for civil process service on a city, town, or village?

Leaving a copy with a city employee is an invalid method for serving civil process on a city, town, or village because proper legal protocols dictate specific individuals within the municipal structure who are authorized to accept such service. In many jurisdictions, including North Carolina, service typically must be directed to individuals in official roles who are recognized by law to receive legal documents, such as the mayor, city manager, or city clerk.

In stark contrast, serving the civil process through a sheriff is a valid method, as law enforcement officials have the authority to execute service of process. Delivering the documents to the city manager or mayor is also appropriate since these individuals hold positions of authority within the municipal government and are accepted as proper recipients of legal filings. Handing a copy to the city clerk is valid as well, given that clerks are often designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the city. Thus, service must be executed following prescribed legal guidelines to ensure compliance and validity, which disqualifies the option of simply leaving the documents with any city employee who may not have the authority to accept legal notifications.