Residents press commissioners to tighten county vehicle rules after sightings outside jurisdiction

Residents at the Jan. 6 Esmeralda County board meeting criticized apparent nonessential use of county vehicles and asked the board to tighten documentation and policy.

"There are some elected officials that it's just very strange to me…on Veteran's day, an official's car…being in Bishop, California shopping," said resident Virginia Greenway, who said she photographed a vehicle and wanted clearer accountability. Greenway also asked whether the county was paying for fuel and wear and tear when vehicles were used outside the county.

District Attorney Robert Glennen responded that incidental, minimal use that does not materially add depreciation or risk to county property likely will not lead to criminal enforcement, but he said he will issue a written guideline to clarify permissible use. "If misused county property...you could be in criminal violation," Glennen said, while acknowledging there are gray areas and that a formal opinion and policy would help.

Commissioners and staff discussed the county's current recordkeeping. Fleet and maintenance logbooks exist, Clerk Maureen Glennen said, and are used to track mileage, maintenance and fueling. Steve Chase, a former motor‑pool manager, urged consistent logbook use: "That logbook is so important because it keeps track of how many miles and when we got back…that's the only way to keep track of such things."

Commissioner discussion noted the policy has not been updated since 2016 and needs clearer, measurable guidance on allowable travel and reporting. Commissioner Fred Perez said clarity on what officials can list as travel time and related benefits is needed and that the board had asked the district attorney to draft a formal opinion.

No formal disciplinary action was taken at the meeting; commissioners asked staff and counsel to prepare proposed written guidance and any necessary policy revisions for a future meeting.