Driving while talking, even on a hands-free device, is unnecessarily dangerous, says Chief Administrative Officer Doug Willmore, who cites studies ranging from the University of Utah to Australia.

Council members opposed to the cell ban say the ordinance will be too difficult to enforce. But if the law is on the books, according to Councilman Randy Horiuchi, it still will force county personnel to have "some conscience."

In a related move, the council voted 8-1 to scrap its existing cell-phone policy, meaning employees - not the government - will be responsible for acquiring mobile phones.

Employees whose duties require the frequent use of cell phones will be eligible for a cell-phone allowance, while others may submit infrequent phone expenses for individual reimbursement.

The policy, drafted by Councilman Mark Crockett, is intended to simplify the process and cut out paperwork, including sifting through personal and business calls. Now, division directors will determine the amount of cell-phone minutes their employees need. Reimbursements still will derive from a single fund, in order to be audited.

Willmore, who presented an alternate plan, criticized the change for having the "illusion of simplicity." "It would actually be very tough to administer," he said. But Councilwoman Jenny Wilson says Crockett's plan is "sort of a parallel to going paperless."

Currently, the county has roughly 750 cell phones, which costs the county a combined $1 million per year.

- Derek P. Jensen