Selma Expands Take-Home Vehicle Policy

SELMA — The Town of Selma has expanded its take-home vehicle policy beyond the Police Department, allowing eligible employees throughout town government to drive town-owned vehicles home.

The Town Council unanimously approved the updated policy Oct. 8.

Town Manager Phillip McDaniel said Selma previously had a take-home vehicle policy limited to police officers who lived within 35 miles of town.

The new policy increases that distance to 50 miles from Selma Town Hall and makes employees in all town departments potentially eligible.

Employees living more than 50 miles away could receive a written exception from the town manager based on operational need.

Employees may qualify for a take-home vehicle if their position requires frequent emergency or after-hours response, they are designated as essential personnel, or officials determine the arrangement would improve operational efficiency or cost effectiveness.

Authorization is considered a privilege and can be withdrawn.

Approved employees may use town vehicles to commute between home and work, respond to emergencies or after-hours service calls, attend meetings or training, conduct inspections and perform other authorized town business.

Personal errands, recreational use and vacation travel are prohibited. Family members may not drive town vehicles, and unauthorized passengers are not allowed.

The town will pay fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, registration and other approved operating expenses.

The updated policy also establishes additional approval and operating requirements and allows the use of telematics technology to monitor town vehicles.