Geneva County Commission votes to review tracking of county-owned property after alleged vehicle misuse

The Geneva County Commission voted 4-0 to review options for tracking county-owned property after commissioners raised concerns about potential misuse of sheriff'department vehicles.

Commissioner Weston Spivey moved that the Commission explore a program allowing the governing body to obtain information on possible misuse of county property; Commissioner Jeff Hatcher seconded. Hatcher had earlier described an instance in which a deputy in civilian clothing reportedly used a county vehicle to apply for another job and attend a drug test, saying the Commission must "deal with the improper and unethical use of county vehicles." The motion passed unanimously.

County Attorney Phil Eldridge advised caution, noting the Sheriff is an elected state official and that state agencies were notified of the matter. Eldridge told the Commission that letters requesting investigation had been sent to three state agencies and that "the Ethics Commission strongly recommends that no comments be made, or discussion be had on the issue once it has been reported to them because their proceedings are similar to a grand jury proceeding and it may interfere with their investigation." Eldridge also said the Commission should not have active-tracking access that could interfere with criminal investigations but could request historical vehicle-use records through proper channels.

The Commission directed staff to research tracking solutions and to compile inventories of county-furnished property for review. The vote and directive were recorded as official action.