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In a 4-3 decision, commissioners approved the motion to allow employees in the department of construction and land use to take cars home April through December "to accommodate the construction season's heavy schedule." Cars can also be assigned to employees January through March at the department head's discretion. Construction and land use, commonly known as the building permit department, is run by John Males, who is also the county administrator.

The action reversed the policy established last September that prevented inspectors from taking cars home The vote on that motion also passed 4-3, amid cries of micro-management by some commissioners.

Commissioner Gary Russell brought last week's motion to the floor, where it generated some strong comments.

"I thought we asked for a written review (of inspectors' work schedules)," said Commissioner Judy Vincent. "I don't believe we have that - any data to support it (the motion)."

"I think that's his judgement," said Commissioner William Walters, a reference to the department head's decision on taking cars home.

"That's not what we're talking about now," responded Vincent. "I believe we asked for a review and data" within six months, wasn't done.

"There's no documentation," agreed Commissioner James Ruby. "Without it, I can't possibly support it. I said no (to taking cars home last September) when there was documentation (to support the ban). I won't say yes (today) when I don't see any."

Board Chairman John Merriman reported he recently reviewed a week's worth of daily work schedules for the inspectors which showed some days with only "one or two" inspections. "I can't justify" takings cars home based on that work load, said Merriman.

He added. "I've been criticized by people for micro-managing. If we don't look for ways to save taxpayer dollars, why are we sitting up here for?"

"I think the department head should make the decision," said Commissioner Norton Schramm. If the inspectors are busy and "he says it saves money and time to take home cars, we need to (follow his advice)."

"I think we've got inspections that are not being completed," said Russell. "I feel it needs to be Mr. Males who handles it."

Russell suggested that Males could provide the board with a review in six months, but in the meantime, "we'll lose a season (for inspections) if we don't do it."

Males thinks inspectors will get more work done by taking cars home, because they can conduct inspections before and after regular working hours, and on Saturday, if necessary. Under the previous policy, cars had to be returned to the motor pool by 4:30 p.m. and could not be used on weekends.

Males was upset that commissioners who entrusted him, as county administrator, to develop a financial plan that saved the county from "near receivership" five years ago, feel that "I'm not trustworthy to run a department."

The motion passed on yes votes from Commissioners Russell, Schramm, Walters and Donald Hunt. Dissenting were commissioners Ruby, Merriman and Vincent.