Town of Avon adopts drug and alcohol policy

AVON — The Town of Avon has adopted a new drug and alcohol policy.

The Department of Transportation for the Avon Highway Department has an updated drug and alcohol policy that is effective immediately.

“Before this new policy, all we had in place was the employee handbook,” said David LeFeber, Supervisor for the Town of Avon.

The new policy is operated by Safe Driver Solutions out of Lima.

The following conduct is strictly prohibited under the new drug and alcohol policy:

• using, being under the influence of, or possession of illegal drugs
• using, being under the influence of legal drugs that are being used illegally
• using, being under the influence of legal drugs whose use can adversely affect the ability to perform his or her job safely
• selling, buying, soliciting to buy or sell, transporting, or possessing illegal drugs while on the town’s time or property
• using alcohol within four hours of driving or performing any other safety sensitive function
• using, being under the influence of alcohol, 0.02 or greater, at any time while performing any other safety sensitive functions
• possessing any amount of alcohol while on duty or driving, unless the alcohol is part of the shipment
• testing positive for drugs or alcohol
• refusing to be tested for drugs or alcohol
• failing to submit to drug test
• failing to stay in contact with the town while awaiting the results of a drug test
• violating any applicable federal or state requirement governing the use of drugs or alcohol
• obstructing in any way the town’s goals with respect to drugs or alcohol

“This policy gives everyone good, clear guidelines to follow,” said Supervisor LeFeber. “The handbook was very vague, this is much clearer.”

Consequences for violating the Town of Avon’s drug and alcohol policy include, being assigned to a non safety sensitive position, being suspended without pay and not permitted to use vacation time, and having your employment terminated. Consequences are based on the severity of the violation.

“We have never had an issue regarding drugs and alcohol in the past, but we needed to have something clearer in place,” said Supervisor LeFeber.

For more information contact the Town of Avon Clerk’s Office at 585-243-2425.