Commissioners press staff on telematics data use and employee privacy

Commissioners focused closely on how telematics data would be used and protected, asking whether devices are plug‑in or hardwired, how supervisors could locate staff and whether employees must install apps on personal phones. "We will be made aware that there is a telematics device in the vehicle that they're using...it's going to show us the route they're taking, how many miles they've driven," said Sandy Malaga, facilities staff, adding that personnel policy updates will address data use and privacy.

Malaga said staff will craft policies to clarify acceptable use (for example, requiring use of a county device rather than a personal phone when possible) and explained that other counties place limits or reduced mileage reimbursements when fleet vehicles are available. The board requested clearer guidance about privacy protections and how data access would be limited to supervisors for safety purposes; staff said those policy details and training would be part of an implementation plan brought back to the board.