Smokers or other tobacco users can’t get a job with Sumter County effective Feb. 1.
County commissioners Tuesday night approved a change in the tobacco use policy that will bar smokers from being hired for any position. New employees also will be prohibited from using tobacco products after they are hired.
The change also eliminates a $25 health insurance premium surcharge for smokers implemented last October. According to tobacco use affidavits, 139 employees and retirees acknowledged their tobacco use and were subject to the surcharge.
Beginning Feb. 1, newly hired employees will be required to sign affidavits that they have not used tobacco for at least one year prior to their employment. Existing employees will not be required to sign affidavits, but will be prohibited from smoking at work.
The policy has a broad definition of tobacco products, which includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, electronic or e-cigarettes or other products with nicotine and nicotine replacement products such as gum and patches.
Marion, Flagler and Monroe counties currently refuse to hire tobacco users and Pasco County is considering the policy. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office also was considering a policy to hire only non-smokers.
At the meeting, commissioners also approved changes to The Villages development plan south of County Road 466A. The changes, which already have been implemented, bring the plan in line with existing land uses.
Golf course land was reduced by 15 acres from the earlier plan, other land use was increased by 14 acres, storm water land use was increased by two acres and an acre was added to collector roads.
Commissioner Don Hahnfeldt reported that Sumter County leads the nation among more than 3,000 counties in mortgage acceptance. He said the ranking addresses both the quality of applicants and the ease in getting a mortgage.
“This is great news,” he said.
