Human Resource Committee adopts tobacco-free workplace policy, bans vaping and tobacco use in county vehicles

The Dodge County Human Resource Committee on April 16 approved an update to Policy 3-14 to change the title from 'smoke-free workplace' to 'tobacco-free workplace' and to clarify where tobacco use is prohibited.

Human Resource Director said the update explicitly adds vapor-producing devices and clarifies that county vehicles are included in the prohibition. "Anything in black was already there. Anything in red is a change," the Human Resource Director said when explaining the marked-up policy in the committee packet. The director also noted that some departments maintain separate policies, specifically the sheriff's office and the highway department.

A committee member asked whether the revised language covers all forms of tobacco, including chewing tobacco. The Human Resource Director confirmed the changes cover "all tobacco" and that chewing-tobacco provisions were already present in the previous policy language.

A motion to update Policy 3-14 to the tobacco-free wording was moved and seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript but indicated unanimous agreement in the voice vote.

The change was presented as a targeted clarification rather than a broad policy overhaul: the Human Resource Director described the edits as "some small changes" intended to ensure the policy reflects current products and workplace settings. The committee did not direct additional study or amendment at the meeting; the revised policy will be implemented as approved.