County adopts personnel policy clarifying smoking rules; shelters, smoking cessation left for later

Champaign County board members voted unanimously on March 11 to add a new chapter to the county personnel policy clarifying rules on tobacco and smoking on county property, including smokeless tobacco.

The policy update — added to the general personnel policy as “chapter 11” in the board packet — clarifies expectations for employees and department heads about smoking on county property and addresses smokeless tobacco and spitting, which several department managers reported had caused workplace complaints.

Human Resources staff said the proposed policy had been reviewed by the state’s attorney and department heads and is intended to give supervisors consistent guidance when incidents arise. The HR representative said the policy complements the Smoke‑Free Illinois Act and provides direction for county properties; it does not automatically apply to the offices of separately elected officials unless their department adopts it.

Board members debated whether the county should instead become entirely smoke‑free or fund outdoor smoking shelters. Several members said they opposed spending funds to install shelters and suggested alternative measures, such as designated smoking areas with signage and receptacles. The HR director said the county will explore smoking cessation support through the employee health insurance plan and will provide cost estimates for any shelter proposals.

After discussion, the board approved the personnel policy amendment by voice vote. Members emphasized that installing shelters and any capital expense would be a separate conversation, and several members volunteered to help with employee outreach should the board pursue a broader change to become fully smoke‑free.

The board also asked HR to share estimated costs for shelters at county facilities and to start conversations with employees about cessation resources as part of benefit planning.