During the recent Finance & Administration Committee meeting held on May 15, 2025, in Narberth Borough, key discussions centered around staffing challenges, drug testing policies, and employee health regulations, all of which have direct implications for the community.

One of the primary topics was the management of staffing levels within the borough's administrative and public works departments. With a total of nine staff members across these departments, officials acknowledged the need for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate absences. This approach aims to ensure that essential services continue without interruption, even when staff shortages occur.

Another significant issue discussed was the borough's drug testing policy, particularly in the context of post-accident testing for employees operating borough vehicles. Committee members expressed concern over the lack of clear consequences for confirmed positive drug tests. While the current policy allows for a split sample testing process to confirm results, there was a consensus that the policy should explicitly state that a confirmed positive test could lead to termination. This change aims to enhance workplace safety and accountability, especially for employees in safety-sensitive positions.

Additionally, the committee revisited the borough's smoking policy, which currently prohibits hiring individuals who use nicotine products, with exceptions for nicotine patches. There was debate over the enforceability of this policy, as some members questioned its legality in Pennsylvania. The potential health benefits of such a policy, including reduced health insurance costs, were acknowledged, but further clarification and review are needed before any decisions are made.

In conclusion, the discussions from the Finance & Administration Committee meeting reflect ongoing efforts to address staffing efficiency, workplace safety, and employee health regulations in Narberth Borough. As these policies evolve, they will play a crucial role in shaping the work environment for borough employees and ensuring the continued delivery of services to the community. The committee plans to recommend these policy changes to the full council for further consideration and approval.