Commissioners continue review of county vehicle policy after commissioners raise liability and wording concerns

Commissioners spent substantial time reviewing a proposed update to the county’s vehicle and equipment use policy and directed staff to revise the draft after multiple concerns about liability and ambiguous language.

Commissioner Lee walked the commission through numerous specific concerns in the draft: mandatory language that currently reads "shall" where Commissioners preferred discretionary language; multiple references that remove specific commission approval in favor of department head or designee authority; provisions allowing spouses and children to ride in county vehicles while on-call; and general wording that could create broad exceptions and undermine the policy’s intent. He urged striking or clarifying several clauses and requested clearer procedures for department head approvals and semiannual reporting by Public Works so that the board can track vehicle assignments.

County counsel and public works staff explained the intent was to provide department heads flexibility to address unique operational needs. Commissioners asked that the county involve its insurance carrier and the sheriff’s office in drafting revision language to limit risk while preserving necessary operational flexibility. After discussion, the commission voted to continue item 11 to the April 15 meeting to allow staff time to produce a redline and to consult with insurance and the sheriff. The motion carried 3–0.

What’s next: Staff will provide a redlined policy that addresses the commission’s proposed wording changes, clarifies on-call definitions and passenger permissions, identifies where county approval is required, and confirms any insurance implications for off-duty and off-site vehicle use.