CITY TO TEST WORKERS FOR DRUGS

The City Will Begin Drug Testing Most Municipal Employees.

The Board of Alderman approved the policy this week. A date when
testing would begin has not been announced. Aldermen said details
would be worked out in the coming weeks.

The plan would affect 163 employees in positions defined as "public
safety" - those who drive city vehicles, carry weapons, fight fires or
deal with sensitive information.

Aldermen said the city will perform random tests on half that number
each year, meaning that some employees may be tested more than once
while others may not be tested at all. Drug and alcohol tests will
also be required of new public safety employees before they start work.

An additional 61 employees are already tested for drug and alcohol
abuse on the job under an old city ordinance because they carry
commercial driver's licenses. Another 37 employees will not have to be
tested unless there is "reasonable suspicion" of drug or alcohol
abuse, aldermen said.

The tests would identify the use of marijuana, cocaine, phencyclidine,
amphetamines and opiates, as well as a blood alcohol content above
0.04 percent.

City Clerk Lisa Carwyle said the tests, at $50 each, will cost about
$4,000 a year.

The city will also require one hour per year of drug prevention
education for all employees and two hours per year for
supervisors.