Hardee County Board debates take home vehicle policy amid cost concerns

The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners convened on June 19, 2025, to discuss the county's take-home vehicle policy, a topic that has generated significant debate in previous meetings. The meeting began with staff presenting the current policy, which allows certain county employees to take vehicles home, emphasizing that this practice is standard among various municipalities, including the sheriff's department and the city of Wauchula.

Commissioner Flores raised concerns about the financial implications of the policy, suggesting that taxpayer dollars should be spent judiciously. He proposed reviewing the list of positions eligible for take-home vehicles, arguing that some managerial roles may not require such privileges, especially for those traveling out of county. Commissioner Weld echoed these sentiments, stating that the current policy may not be a responsible use of county funds and suggesting that vehicles should remain within county limits.

The discussion highlighted the need for a balance between operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility. Several commissioners expressed a desire to minimize the number of take-home vehicles, with some advocating for exceptions only for critical positions that require immediate response capabilities, such as building inspectors and utility workers on call.

As the conversation progressed, the board considered the potential costs associated with maintaining the take-home vehicle policy, estimating an annual expense of $40,000 to $50,000 for the county. Commissioner Miller raised questions about the implications of removing take-home vehicles from employee compensation packages, emphasizing the need to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for any changes.

Ultimately, a motion was made by Commissioner Wells to restrict take-home vehicles to only two building inspectors and a utility vehicle for on-call employees. This motion passed with a vote of 3 to 2, indicating a shift in policy aimed at reducing costs while still addressing the operational needs of the county.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that the board would continue to evaluate the vehicle policy and its impact on both county operations and employee satisfaction. The commissioners acknowledged the importance of ongoing dialogue to ensure that the policy aligns with the best interests of Hardee County residents.