The process of amending Faribault County’s Personnel Policy 8.3 led to a lengthy, and at times confusing discussion during the Faribault County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 7.

Personnel Policy 8.3 deals with firearms at work and states the possession or use of firearms, as defined in Minnesota Statute, is prohibited on County property, in County vehicles, or in any personal vehicle which is being used for County business (including elected officials). Possession of a valid permit to carry authorized by the State of Minnesota is not an exemption under this policy.

“We are striving to maintain a safe working environment,” county coordinator Brian Hov said.

The county’s policy was molded after an Administrative Order No. 9 which was put into effect on March 26, 2008 by the Fifth Judicial District (of which Faribault County is a member).

The order listed exceptions to the rule as does the county’s policy.

The following exceptions to the county’s policy include:

• Employees, (including elected officials) legally in possession of a firearm for which the employee holds a valid permit, if required, and said firearm is secured within an attended personal vehicle or concealed from view within a locked unattended personal vehicle while that person is working on Faribault County property.

• A person who is showing or transferring the weapon or firearm to a law enforcement officer as part of an investigation.

• Law enforcement officers (licensed under Minnesota sections 626.84 to 626.863) who are in possession of a weapon or firearm in the scope of their official duties.

• A county attorney, or an assistant county attorney appointed under Minnesota State Statute, who lawfully possesses a permit to carry a pistol issued in accordance with Statute.

• Persons who lawfully possess a permit to carry and who also have in their possession the expressed written permission from the County Sheriff who issued the permit to that person (preferably concealed) or use a firearm on county property, in county vehicles, and in any personal vehicle which is being used for county business.

Much of the discussion by board members discussed ‘what if’ situations.

However, as Hov pointed out, “The scenarios you are describing are criminal uses of a firearm and are already illegal.”

As the discussion continued, board chairman Bill Groskreutz attempted to move things along.

“We are talking in circles,” he pointed out.

With that, the board passed Personnel Policy 8.3 on a 4-1 vote with Groskreutz voting no.