Dunn County considers drug testing for new deputies
By LeAnn R. Ralph
MENOMONIE — If approved by the Dunn County Board, an updated ordinance pertaining to the hiring of new deputies could include drug testing as part of the requirements.
The Dunn County Board considered the updated ordinance for a “first reading” at the February 15 meeting.
“Drug screening” would be added to the section of “pre-employment background investigation, physical examination, psychological testing and drug screen.”
The drug screen would be “conducted in accordance with the procedures and requirements of Wis. Admin. Code Chapter LES 2.”
The existing ordinance states that deputies need to meet certain minimum qualifications for a person to “apply for or hold” the position of deputy sheriff.
The updated ordinance would read “the following shall be the minimum qualifications for a person to be eligible to commence employment in the position of deputy sheriff.”
The updated ordinance also would create an eligibility list of ten of the highest-rated applicants.
The existing ordinance creates an eligibility list of eight applicants.
In addition to requiring the Dunn County Sheriff to appoint a replacement from the current eligibility list, “for subsequent vacancies, the sheriff shall either appoint from the remaining names on the eligibility list or request that a new eligibility list be prepared.”
The existing ordinance only allows the sheriff to appoint deputies from the current eligibility list and does not give the option of requesting a new eligibility list.
The Dunn County Board is expected to do a second reading of the ordinance and to approve the changes at the March meeting.
Other business
In other business, the Dunn County Board:
• Approved appointing Robert Fitzwilliam of Menomonie to fill the unexpired term of Dan Fedderly on the Dunn County Economic Development Corporation Board.
• Approved a budget amendment of $15,000 for the solid waste and recycling division for a debit to capital expenses for a vehicle and for miscellaneous revenue. The solid waste and recycling division sold three vehicles and plans to use the revenue to purchase a used “work truck.”
• Postponed action on a resolution to approve a labor agreement between Dunn County and the Sheriff’s Department Powers of Arrest union employees. The union has not yet approved the labor agreement, and the Dunn County Board cannot approve the agreement until the union approves the agreement.
