Pryor Creek council directs department-level review of city vehicle use, approves marking equipment

Pryor Creek council members discussed longstanding questions about employees using city vehicles or equipment for personal or second-job purposes, and they approved a measure to mark city-owned vehicles and larger equipment.

Council members said city policy does not allow personal use of city vehicles and that department heads should apply IRS “de minimis” guidance when determining whether limited use is taxable or requires reporting. Several council members urged clearer written rules and consistent enforcement; others said the mayor has previously been authorized to allow certain take-home vehicle arrangements under city policy.

The council ultimately voted to leave enforcement to department heads for now and to take no immediate punitive action, telling department heads to address continued violations. Council members also approved a motion directing staff to mark city-owned vehicles and larger pieces of equipment with visible city identification (exceptions for legitimately unmarked police investigative vehicles). Council members said decals or weather-grade vinyl could be applied to mowers, backhoes, trucks and other equipment so taxpayers can identify city property and discourage unauthorized personal use.

The council did not create new payroll-reporting procedures during the meeting; one councilmember asked staff to verify whether personal use must be treated as taxable compensation under IRS rules and whether reporting (e.g., Form 1099 treatment) is required when personal use is regular and non-de minimis.

Staff said further policy clarifications may be brought forward if department heads report repeated violations.