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Gambier council weighs allowing contracted deputy to take cruiser home; seeks mileage and duty clarifications
Summary
Council discussed a request from the contracted deputy to take the village cruiser home, directed staff to clarify mileage logging and that paid duty begins when the deputy is within village limits, and noted the village insurer had no coverage concerns. No final policy change was adopted at the meeting.
Council members discussed a request from the village’s contracted deputy (referred to in committee minutes as Deputy Phelps) to take the village cruiser home. Committee and council members said the county sheriff’s office recently extended the allowable take‑home distance to 35 miles; the deputy falls within that range.
Committee members reported the sheriff’s office and the village’s insurance carrier indicated no coverage obstacle to allowing take‑home vehicles. The committee recommended authorizing take‑home use provided a memorandum of understanding sets terms — including mileage logging from home to the village, periodic fuel‑filling arrangements or reimbursement, and supervisor approval rules for responses to off‑site emergency calls.
Village Administrator Courtney DeCosky will clarify with the Sheriff’s Office that the deputy’s paid time begins when the deputy is within village limits and will seek written confirmation on fuel/mileage reimbursement arrangements. Council did not adopt a final policy at the meeting but directed staff to negotiate details and bring a memorandum of understanding back to council for approval.
