McLean County is going tobacco-free
By Stu Merry, BHG News Service
It will soon be illegal to smoke or use tobacco products of any kind on all county premises. County officials held the first reading of a new tobacco policy at their Dec. 1 regular meeting. Board members looked over two policies – one regarding county-owned property, and the other dealing with county vehicles. Commissioner Ron Krebsbach explained that the change came about because of unsanitary conditions pertaining to the spitting of chewing tobacco. Maintenance Supervisor Curt Malo responded that he’s found chewing tobacco in toilets, urinals, sinks and on the floor of the garage. Suggestions have been made by various employees and department heads that the tobacco-free area be changed from "within 25 feet of all access points" to "any county property," including the lots that the courthouse, highway sheds and law enforcement center sit on. The initial policy was implemented July 1, 2006. Also, it has been mentioned at various employment law-training sessions that an enforcement provision could be added in the policy by way of payroll deductions for infractions by any employee. County officials noted that no policy is in place to deal with infractions at this time.
