New drug testing approved for Gibson County employees
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GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn.-Everyone who earns a county paycheck is now subject to random drug testing. Most county organizations already have their own drug policies in place. “It’s probably something we should’ve already done to be quite honest with you.” said Gibson County Mayor Tom Witherspoon. County officials hope the new legislation will put more money into tax payer pockets. County officials expect to pay around $10,000 annually for the testing. The new policy will lower workman’s compensation costs by about $25,000 each year. The new policy says employees can be screened for more than ten types of drugs. Including meth and morphine. Alcohol is also forbidden while employees are on the clock or in work related vehicles. Department heads still have a lot of control over how employees are disciplined if they test positive. “It says in there several times that it will be left up for termination, but that’s left up to department heads,” said Commissioner Bobby Cotham. If employees fail the drug tests, they will be offered the option to attend rehab. Employees will be expected to cover rehab cost. No date has been set for when the policy will be implemented.
