Monterey Looking At Vehicle Take Home Policy

Monterey Aldermen conflicted over a proposal to implement a new policy for take-home vehicles.

Monterey Mayor Alex Garcia said the proposal came as the town’s insurance company suggested that they implement a policy. Alderman Larry Bennett said he would like to see a policy with a mile restriction.

“I think there will be a limitation on how far away you can live away from the city to take that vehicle,” Bennett said. “That can rack up a lot of miles to and from. Another thing is when I worked with the Sheriff’s Department we took our vehicle home but it did not go anywhere else. It didn’t go to the grocery store or an office visit, it stayed at the house until you got called out or you went to work.”

Alderman Jamie Phillips said placing restrictions will make it harder for the town to attract people to work for the town. Aldermen will further discuss the proposal at the January Aldermen Meeting.

“I think you run into issues with getting people to take a job,” Phillips said. “You are almost making them relocate if they want to take employment here.”

Garcia said the town should take how it would affect the town hiring employees into consideration. Garcia said allowing employees to take town vehicles home has been a good recruitment tool.

“That’s a benefit you know, right now we are advertising for an officer and one of the benefits on there is a take-home car,” Garcia said. “So you know, that’s something that the board can change at any time but the board would have to have a recommendation.”

Certified Municipal Finance Officer Ella Dishman said she will reach out to other local municipalities about policies prior to the January meeting.