Town’S Drug Testing May Include Council

City officials are considering a proposal to extend an anti-drug program to include testing of the mayor and city council members.

The proposal was introduced at a council meeting in response to concerns that the city cannot guarantee a drug-free workplace unless all paid employees are tested for drugs and alcohol.

Mayor Glenn Thompson said Wednesday elected officials should not be exempt because their benefits include the occasional use of a city-owned vehicle.

The city now conducts baseline and random drug testing for all police officers and city employees who drive city or government vehicles while working. Under the proposal, drug testing would extend to the city clerk and administrative staff, dog catcher, librarian and all part-time employees.

Also included for future testing would be two fire department supervisors. The rest of the fire department consists of volunteers who would be exempt.

JoAnne Lanham was the only City Council member opposed to extending testing.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to test everyone and it’s certainly not cost-effective,” she said.