Commissioners debate leasing reflective safety shirts for public-works crews; item deferred for options

Public Works requested a $15,000 operating increase to lease high-visibility reflective shirts (with laundry service) for highway and parks employees during the May 2 budget work session. Staff said the shirts are leased with laundering included and would replace vests that employees sometimes do not wear in extreme heat.

Several commissioners questioned the $15,000 price tag for a single year, noting that buying vests outright would cost roughly $5,000 and that leased shirts were costly because of laundry and multiple issued pieces per worker. Public Works said the leased shirts are rented to maintain laundering standards and because crews receive multiple shirts in a year; staff estimated roughly 40 employees would receive about eight shirts apiece under a worst-case scenario.

Commissioners expressed concern about incentivizing compliance rather than paying for employee comfort, and some suggested allowing employees to purchase ANSI-compliant shirts if they preferred them. Others emphasized safety: one commissioner said spending the money to prevent a worker being struck by a vehicle would be justified.

Nut graf: Commissioners did not approve the request immediately; they asked staff to return with alternatives, cost comparisons for purchasing vs. leasing, and the possibility of offering a limited allowance or an optional buy-in for employees.

Staff agreed to bring back options at the next work session, including the potential to reallocate existing operating funds instead of an increase and to present a compliance-enforcement option. The board set the item for further discussion rather than final action.

Ending: The reflective-shirt leasing request remains in the recommended budget under review; staff will return with cost alternatives and enforcement/allowance options.