Lawmakers to look into use of county vehicles

CANTON — At least 28 St. Lawrence County employees regularly take county-owned vehicles home with them, and some lawmakers say it's time the Legislature looked into the practice.

"We're being asked to buy several new cars next year, so it seems prudent that we look at that," said Legislator Joseph R. Lightfoot, R-Oswegatchie.

Mr. Lightfoot said he raised the issue after hearing complaints from residents who suspect some employees might be using county vehicles for personal business.

"The idea is to ensure that there's a legitimate need for their use to be taken home," he said. "Obviously, it's going to have to benefit the county and not be for someone who's being unexpectedly called in to work once a month."

Legislators began discussing the issue earlier this month, but put the matter on hold to finish the 2010 budget.

Mr. Lightfoot and Legislator Tedra L. Cobb, D-Canton, both said Friday the Legislature should not drop the issue.

"I don't think it's good to leave things, because it's always hard to come back to them," Ms. Cobb said. "Taxpayers own these cars. If people see a car, they wonder what that person is doing and why they're doing it, and it's our responsibility to make sure we're accountable. I'm not being critical. I'm just asking the question, and I don't think we're done with that process yet."

Officials supplied the board with a list of employees who routinely bring cars home. The 28 on the list represent four departments — one in Emergency Services, 11 in the Highway Department, 14 in the Sheriff's Department and two in Weights and Measures.

Finance Committee Chairman Donald A. Peck, R-Gouverneur, said the matter might not resurface until after Jan. 1, but he plans to schedule a discussion on all departments' vehicle use. Public Health and Social Services workers also use county-owned vehicles.

Legislature Chairman Gregory M. Paquin, D-Massena, said as far as he is concerned, discussions so far have shown there is nothing improper afoot.

"The department heads have supplied us with adequate information," he said. "In every case it's been proven cost-effective. It's cheaper for them to take them home than for us to pay mileage."