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Hernando Today

Underwear required for Brooksville's employees

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By KYLE MARTIN

Hernando Today

Published: June 16, 2009

Updated: 06/16/2009 04:42 pm

BROOKSVILLE - A revised dress code for Brooksville's employees requires them to wear underwear and deodorant, among other things.

The policy was approved 4-1 during the council's June 1, with Mayor Joe Bernadini casting the nay vote.

On Tuesday, Bernadini said the dress code is a way to bring more professionalism to the city. But the undergarment proviso was "a little far-fetched."

"I think in a way it takes away freedom of choice," he said.

The three page policy is part of the city's ongoing efforts to revise and update its existing policies and ordinances. Police Chief George Turner recently sought to update the impound ordinance and included a provision for impounding cars with loud stereos.

That ordinance is undergoing revision.

The new dress policy instructs employees to observe "strict personal hygiene," to include deodorants.

It also bans employees from coming to work with clothes emblazoned with foul language, nude or semi-nude pictures and messages that promote drug use.

Halter tops and revealing, "sexually provocative," garments are out. The same goes for piercings beyond the ear. Cuts and wounds must be covered.

Then there's this, under the "unacceptable attire" category: "the observable lack of undergarments and exposed undergarments."

It's up to department heads to enforce the policy and interpret whether questionable clothing crosses the line. If it violates the policy, employees will not be paid for the time they are sent home to change their clothes.

Repeat violations can result in firing.

Bernadini said most of the policy requirements are common sense, but "there are those who have to be told."

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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