The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 19 adopted a new drug‑free workplace policy for county employees, replacing a previously rescinded ordinance.
Becky Butler, a staff member who introduced the measure, told commissioners, “This is to adopt a drug free workplace policy for Lewis County employees.” She said the draft policy had been circulated to unions, elected officials and department directors over the prior two months. Butler said the policy replaces “Ordinance 12 O 2, which was rescinded last year,” and that “the policy does not need to be an ordinance and allows us to make adjustments as laws change.”
The board approved the measure as part of a package of deliberation items and recorded a 2‑0 vote. Commissioners did not ask for additional amendments during the discussion recorded in the meeting transcript.
The policy’s backers said circulating the draft to labor and department leaders aimed to ensure alignment with current law and operational needs. The transcript does not specify whether the policy includes disciplinary provisions, testing protocols, or a timeline for implementation.
The county clerk’s office included written public comment from Kyle Wheeler in the meeting packet; no public commenters spoke in the gallery or online during the meeting.
The decision was taken at a regularly scheduled meeting attended by two commissioners and county staff; commissioners approved the policy by roll call vote and moved on to other procurement and contracting items.