Bladen County Commissioners met Monday in Special Session and dealt with several issues.
Amy Pharr, Director of Human Resources, presented a series of amendments to the Bladen County Personnel Policy. Many dealt with “cleaning up” verbiage by eliminating duplication in different areas of the document. Others dealt with policy related to Adverse Weather Conditions, Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy, use of Vehicles for County Business, Civil leave (ex. employees jury duty and under subpoena for jury duty in their official capacity).Most were minor changes and were approved.
The one exception was related to the portion of the policy titled ‘Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace”. Commissioner Michael Cogdell questioned a section of the policy that states, “A blood alcohol test result of 0.04 or greater and/or a positive drug test may result in termination as outlined in this policy.”
Cogdell ask for a further explanation questioning if an employee with 20 or 25 years of good service and no violations is tested and his results reach, or surpass the limits stated in the policy, would that employee would be terminated? It was pointed out the wording was “may result in termination.” He had more questions and the issue was tabled to the next meeting.
In other business, the board agreed to set a date for a meeting with the Legislative delegation. That date will be Thursday, April 23 at a place and time to be determined.
Another special meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23 at 2 p.m. The purpose of that meeting is for the board members to view a webinar produced by the UNC School of Government on revaluation. Bladen County Commissioners will serve as the Board of Equalization and Review as the current revaluation process comes to an end.
Following the webinar, Tim Cain, the person in charge of the current revaluation and Chris Ellis, Bladen County Tax Administrator will present analytical information related to the local revaluation.
Other topics may be added to the agenda. More information is expected as the date draws near.
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