256.13   VEHICLE USE POLICY.
   (a)   The Village, in order to efficiently provide services to Village residents, has provided Village owned vehicles to be used only for Village business.
   (b)   Village vehicles shall be used for official Village business only. Personal use of Village vehicles is prohibited. Council may grant the use of a Village vehicle for the purpose of commuting to and from the employee's residence, however in such case, the employee will be charged one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) each way (home to work and work to home) for everyday he or she uses the vehicle for commuting purposes in accordance with the commuting rules of the IRS fringe benefit publications and guidelines. The charge must be included in the employees wages. The Mayor or Council may grant the use of an emergency vehicle by the appropriate department head to commute to and from work.
   (c)   Village vehicles must not be used to transport non-Village employees except if used for Village related business. Cargo which has no relation or official use to Village business shall not be transported in Village vehicles. Seatbelts must be used in all Village vehicles.
   (d)   The driver of a Village vehicle shall hold a valid driver's license. The driver and all passengers in a Village vehicle shall comply with all applicable State and local traffic laws and parking laws. In the event of a violation of such laws the driver shall be personally liable for any criminal or civil penalties.
   (e)   Drivers of Village vehicles must also comply with the rules and regulations stated in the Village's employee driving record review policy. If an employee's license is expired, suspended, forfeited or revoked the employee shall be required to immediately inform their department head. The Village will keep a list of the driver's license information for all authorized employee drivers.
   (f)   No employee shall operate a Village vehicle or heavy equipment or machinery if the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The employee must also comply with the Village's drug free workplace policy.
   (g)   All Village vehicles should be operated and maintained in a safe and efficient manner. Any defect, damage or unsuitable conditions of any Village vehicle should be reported to the department head. Village employees are responsible to maintain vehicles in a neat and orderly manner.
   (h)   Village owned gas and fluids shall be used in all Village vehicles. No employee is permitted to place Village gas or other fluids in his or her personal vehicle or other private vehicle under any circumstances. Mileage logs should be kept for all Village vehicles.
   (i)   Employees who operate a personal vehicle for Village business shall be paid a mileage rate per IRS regulations.
   (j)   All Village owned vehicles are insured under the Village's comprehensive and liability insurance policy. This policy will cover only those employees who are authorized to use Village vehicles and hold a valid driver's license.
   (k)   This policy cannot cover every issue, exception or contingency that might arise in the use of Village vehicles. The employee should use common sense and good judgment in the use of Village resources. The misuse of Village vehicles or equipment or any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
(Ord. 09-026. Passed 2-3-10.)