The City of Independence is taking significant steps to reinstate its drug testing program for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, a move that comes after a five-year hiatus. During a recent personnel board meeting, officials outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure compliance with federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which mandate drug testing for CDL drivers.

The city has partnered with Tomo, a drug testing company from Springfield, to provide training for CDL drivers and their supervisors. This training covered the necessary procedures for drug testing and the identification of reasonable cause for testing. City officials acknowledged that the previous random testing practices had not been effective, prompting the need for a complete overhaul.

Starting in early June, the city will conduct baseline drug tests for all CDL drivers using DOT-sanctioned methods. Following this, random testing will begin in the first quarter of the next fiscal year, marking a return to compliance with federal requirements. The new approach will allow for on-site testing, significantly reducing the time employees spend away from their duties compared to the previous method, which involved lengthy trips to testing facilities.

City officials emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it will be integrated into the personnel policies and procedures manual. The new drug and alcohol policy will specifically address safety-sensitive positions, ensuring that all CDL drivers are subject to the necessary regulations.

As the city moves forward with these changes, officials are committed to keeping employees informed about the upcoming testing and the reasons behind it. This proactive approach aims to enhance workplace safety and compliance, ultimately benefiting both the city and its employees.