Richmond adopts revised personnel policy manual; city attorney emphasizes training and KLC‑vetted drug policy

The board adopted Order 25‑182, a revised personnel policy manual for city employees, after discussion and clarification from the city attorney and commissioners.

The city attorney said the updated policy was reviewed by department heads, human resources, the city’s insurance/legal team and counsel. Key inclusions called out during discussion were a new supervisor one‑on‑one goal‑setting requirement beginning in January; annual supervisor training covering drug and alcohol policy, harassment prevention and occupational safety; and clearer vehicle‑use language for take‑home vehicles. The attorney said a policy that aligns with Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) recommendations — particularly the drug policy language — helps the city maintain a 5% workers’ compensation insurance premium discount through KLC.

Commissioners asked for clarifications about vehicle use, personal stops (for example dropping off children on the way to work) and the city’s liability in accidents involving passengers; the attorney said the policy language controls coverage and that city insurance generally covers passengers who are in a city vehicle at the time of an accident. The attorney also described the manual as a living document that can be updated without a second reading if changes are needed, and said training would be scheduled and made available on the employee portal with physical copies in department offices.

Board members expressed support for the clearer language and thanked the attorney and staff for preparing the manual. The motion on passage was approved by roll call.