The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), heard from Julie Florian, program director with Health Promotion Strategies from Dow City, on “Making the decision to go Tobacco/Nicotine-Free” campus. The County already has a tobacco free policy pertaining to the courthouse grounds and inside the building, as well as several other properties. The policy however, doesn’t exclude other nicotine products, such as electronic-vapor cigarettes, or “Vaping”, nicotine pills, gum or other such means of ingesting nicotine.

Among the other forms of nicotine available on the market, according to Florian, is nicotine water, and “Cig-a-fizz,” which is kind of like the old fashioned “Pop Rock” candy many people grew up with, except it contains three milligrams of nicotine.

Florian says the Supervisors can set an example for other businesses in the County by coming up with an expanded policy on prohibiting or limiting nicotine use by the public and County employees. She says currently, only Scott and Lee Counties have both tobacco free and nicotine free policies in place. Samples of their policies were provided to the Board, along with information pertaining to free signage indicating the policy changes. The original, Smoke-Free Air Act signs can remain in-place if the new signs are erected.

The Board took her information under advisement. In other business, the Supervisors agreed to allow the County Recorder and Treasurer to continue with the process of hiring a person who would work in both offices as an assistant. The person being considered, following an interview process that has already taken place, would work half of the time in the Treasurer’s Office – where they will scan documents related to vehicle registration and other matters – and half-time in the Recorder’s Office.

A lengthy discussion took place with regard to the candidates’ rate of pay, and whether they would also receive an insurance and benefits package. In the end, it was determined those details would be worked out when it comes time to appoint the individual being considered.