LOUISA PROPOSES DRUG TESTING FOR EMPLOYEES

LOUISA - City employees here could soon be randomly tested for drug
use, a proposal which has been met with open arms by many of those
employees who could be affected.

"I think it's a good idea," said Louisa Mayor Teddy Preston. "I don't
think any of us have a problem with it."

The first reading of the drug-testing ordinance was passed unanimously
during Tuesday's City Council meeting.

A second reading is needed before it is enacted.

Under the proposal, employees will be put in a "pool" and then names
will be randomly picked for testing, which will be done by a local
medical laboratory.

"I think everybody (all employees) in the city should be tested,"
said Louisa Volunteer Fire Chief Eddie Preston. "I don't have a
problem with it and I don't think our guys would either."

It is expected to cost the city $20 per employee to sign up for the
program, then $55 for each drug test performed.

Employees will be tested for 10 different drugs. If employees take
prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs, they must list those before
the test is performed.

Drug testing was first approved for the city's public works employees
last week by the city's water and sewer commission. Then, the issue
was brought up by Louisa Public Works Director Dave McGuire during
Tuesday's council meeting.

"It is going to be automatic dismissal if a person tests positive," he
explained.

Preston said a drug-free work environment is not only safer, but it
could also help bring more money into the city. Many federal and state
grants now require applicants to prove they have drug-abuse prevention
measures in place, including employee testing, he said.

"We have seen several grants that are only available to drug-free
workplaces, so we think it's good to have this kind of policy in
place," Preston said.

Cities such as Ashland and Russell already have drug-testing in place
for all employees. Most other cities require testing for police
officers and those who work in public service jobs that require
operating heavy machinery.