County revises employee handbook sections on vehicle use and mileage reimbursement

Washington County supervisors approved changes July 10 to the employee handbook that remove duplicated material and move most vehicle rules into a separate county vehicle‑use policy.

Staff said the edits transfer safety and mileage sections into the new vehicle‑use policy and delete redundant language from handbook sections 6.001 and 6.07. The board discussed whether mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use should explicitly cover travel within the county as well as travel outside the county. Staff said the language as drafted would be interpreted to cover mileage reimbursement for work‑related personal‑vehicle use generally, but supervisors requested the issue remain under discussion so the policy can be clarified.

Supervisors also discussed defensive‑driving instruction. County staff confirmed defensive‑driving classes are not regularly offered and that budget cuts previously eliminated routine offerings; a defensive‑driving course had been offered once in the prior year. The board agreed removing outdated references was acceptable so long as motor‑vehicle safety expectations (for example, seat belt usage) remain covered by the vehicle policy or other materials.

Why it matters: Shifting operational rules to a dedicated vehicle‑use policy can reduce duplication and make expectations clearer, but supervisors emphasized the county should be explicit about mileage reimbursement scope and safety training availability before finalizing the revised materials.

What’s next: Staff will refine mileage language and confirm where safety rules such as seat belt requirements are retained, then return the final handbook and vehicle‑use policy language to the board.