Commissioner wants better record of county-owned vehicles

Commissioner Joe Sheffield said one of the first things he tried to get after taking office is a list of county-owned vehicles. He’s still trying.
The need for information on the vehicles and employees using them was discussed at-length during the Feb. 6 meeting of the County-Owned Property Committee.
“I think the county attorney or mayor should ask for a list with make, model, year, vehicle identification number, if the vehicle is in use, and who it is assigned to,” Chair Mark Ferguson said. “I think we need to look at it.”
Sheffield made a motion to have County Attorney John Rambo request the information from all department heads. Commissioner Alpha Bridger seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mayor Dan Eldridge said the county has a blanket insurance policy, and a serial number for each of the county’s vehicles should be on file.
According to Commission Chair Greg Matherly, insurance cards are issued for the specific vehicles as opposed to their users. In addition, the county policy does not permit personal use of the vehicles.
Sheffield asked if taxes are supposed to be paid by the users, and Eldridge said the auditors have addressed the issue and offered a couple of options.
Eldridge suggested asking the auditors for specific guidance on IRS requirements for employees who drive county-owned vehicles, including employees serving in an “on call” capacity.