Rules committee’s draft language on county property use prompts Public Works input on department-level flexibility

Members of Richland County’s Public Works Steering Committee discussed proposed additions to a county ethics ordinance that would restrict use of county services, vehicles and equipment for non‑governmental or personal purposes unless authorized and generally available to the public.

The language under review—sourced from examples in Crawford and Sauk counties—would prohibit officials or employees from using county services or equipment for unauthorized personal conveniences unless the services are available to the public and consistent with county policy. Committee members acknowledged the aim but raised concerns about over‑broad text creating operational problems for departments that rely on limited, authorized use of vehicles or tools.

Highway Commissioner Josh Elder described long-standing, narrow allowances in his department—four pickups are permitted to be kept at employees’ homes because on‑call response requires quick access to vehicles. He said larger equipment such as dump trucks and graders have not been taken home and that department heads handle exceptions through the committee when needed.

Committee members said they support an ordinance update but asked that rules and strategic planning continue drafting the language and solicit input from affected departments so the ordinance can preserve necessary operational flexibility while limiting improper uses. The committee adopted a motion expressing conditional support for the proposed policy and requesting department-level input before final adoption.

No ordinance was adopted; the matter will return to the rules and strategic planning committee with the Public Works committee’s guidance.