Bernalillo County commissioners Tuesday will discuss a possible policy change that would permit some employees to use cannabis while off duty without risking their jobs.
Commission Vice Chair Eric Olivas introduced the legislation, saying he wanted fair treatment for people who prefer now-legal cannabis to alcohol.
The proposed resolution, which is up for discussion only, would continue to prohibit on-duty use.
The loosened restrictions would not apply to all employees. Because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, employees who are required to regularly carry firearms, those in health care and those whose principal jobs include regularly transporting other people would be bound by the existing rules. Federal law also places restrictions on positions paid for by federal grants.
A staff analysis included in the agenda says the policy change could impact the county’s insurability. Regina Ortega, the county’s director of risk management, wrote that the county is “insured with the preface that we are working and engaging in a drug-free, zero tolerance platform.”
She wrote the change could affect current and future policies and lead to increases in insurance premiums.
“We also … need to be cognizant of the increase in
claims the county should anticipate should we move forward with this proposal,” Ortega wrote.
After Tuesday’s discussion, county staff will review the policy and bring the matter back to commissioners for final approval.
Also on the agenda is a proposed amendment to the county zoning ordinance that would permit secondary dwelling units on certain residential lots.
Such a unit, commonly known as a casita, would be a permissive use on lots that meet the minimum lot size of the underlying zone and other criteria.
County staff is asking the board to approve publication of amendments, which will be available to the public for review and comment, then brought back to commissioners in January for final consideration.
Another zoning change would allow food trucks in areas zoned for commercial/light industrial uses.
County staff say the change was inadvertently left out of a recent zoning ordinance update.
Commissioners will also conduct a 1:30 p.m. closed meeting to discuss legal matters with attorneys.
The agenda states they will discuss the 2018 McClendon v. City of Albuquerque settlement, which established several standards for conditions in the Metropolitan Detention Center, along with Public Service Company of New Mexico’s application for a rate increase.