(A) Anyone driving a county vehicle will be responsible for that vehicle in case of an accident. A breathalyzer test, urinalysis or other testing, or any combination of the three, will be required, with refusal resulting in automatic dismissal of the county employee. Anyone driving a county vehicle must maintain a valid operator’s license. Any accident, traffic citation or driving arrest of an employee in a county vehicle must be reported immediately to the supervisor or office holder.
(B) Any employee found to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or unauthorized drugs or controlled substances while operating a county vehicle or equipment shall be the subject of immediate dismissal from employment.
(C) (1) Any employee or volunteer authorized to use a county vehicle as a part of his or her job duties including employees and volunteers that are on call on a 24-hour basis and take a county vehicle home so they can respond for emergency purposes, must adhere to the following requirements.
(a) Non employees and non-business passengers (i.e., family and friends) are prohibited from riding in county vehicles.
(b) County vehicles are to be used only for county purposes. Any employee found using a county vehicle for personal use shall be suspended for not less than three days without pay. Any volunteer found using a county vehicle for personal use shall be given one written notice warning on official lettterhead. In the event that a second violation occurs, the volunteer will then lose all rights and access to county vehicles.
(c) Employees and volunteers must use due diligence to drive safely and to maintain the security of the vehicle and its contents. Employees and volunteers are also responsible for any driving infractions or fines as a result of the driving.
(d) Employees and volunteers must report any accident, theft or malicious damage involving their county vehicle to their department head and the Judge Executive, regardless of the extent of damage or lack of inquiries.
(2) Such reports must be made as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after the incident. Employees and volunteers are expected to cooperate fully with authorities in the event of an accident. However, employees and volunteers should make no voluntary statement other than a reply to questions or investigating officers.
(D) County employees/departments shall keep accurate record of detailed mileage logs of trips and usage of county vehicles. Electronic mileage logs may be used at the discretion of Fiscal Court.
(Ord. 21.230-1, passed 7-8-2021; Ord. 21-230-4, passed 12-9-2021)