City of Hiawassee releases drug policy following employee arrest

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Following the recent methamphetamine arrest of a municipal billing clerk, FetchYourNews filed an open records request with the City of Hiawassee to obtain its policy on drug testing in the workplace. Patti Diane Moon, a longtime employee of the city, was charged with multiple drug-related offenses late last month. Hiawassee Police Department conducted a traffic stop Aug. 25 after Moon was reported as driving toward oncoming traffic on U.S. 76. Although personnel files are confidential, Moon has not returned to her position at Hiawassee City Hall.

The City of Hiawassee drug policy clearly states that substance use will not be tolerated by city employees. Substance screenings are a prerequisite for employment. “City employees must not be on the job, on call, on City premises, operating a city vehicle, or operating any other equipment or vehicle while in performing of city business while impared due to any drug, legal or illegal, that renders the City employee unfit for duty,” the document reads in part. Furthermore, side effects of legally prescribed medications that could be problematic are to be reported to Hiawassee City Hall.

“The City of Hiawassee conducts random drug tests on a monthly basis,” Hiawassee City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick told FYN. Substance testing is performed randomly and unannounced on two city employees per month. All employees have an equal chance of selection. The employee remains in the pool after being chosen, with back-to-back monthly testing possible. Two officers with the Hiawassee Police Department additionally confirmed that testing is regularly conducted to include the law enforcement division.

While Moon was not on duty at the time of her arrest, the frequency and results of the workplace drug screens are unknown due to legally closed records.