Council adopts amended DOT/FTA drug‑testing policy for transit; staff to file change requested by auditors

The Sydney City Council on Aug. 26 approved an amendment to its DOT/FTA drug‑testing policy for the city's transportation program following an audit. Autumn Ramirez, the city's HR director, told the council that auditors requested removal of a laboratory provision on page 26 of the policy and gave the city a short timeframe to make the change.

Ramirez said the city uses the Nebraska Department of Transportation template and that "our drug policies are living documents and can change at any time." She asked the council to approve the amendment so the city can remain compliant with audit requirements; a councilmember made a motion to pass the DOT drug test policy amendment and the motion was seconded and passed.

Council recorded the vote and moved on to the next agenda item. The amendment was presented as a corrective procedural change tied to the city's annual compliance audits for transportation drug‑testing protocols.