Adams County District 2 Supervisor Henry Watts believes it’s time for county employees to stand up and be responsible adults.

Watts’ recent suggestion that the county modify its policy regarding employees who abuse alcohol and drugs while on the taxpayers’ dime is a good one.

Watts suggested a new “zero tolerance” policy that calls for the immediate termination of county employees who test positive for drug use or are caught drinking alcohol on the job.

His fellow supervisors went along with the suggestion, voting unanimously to make the policy change.

We think the change is a good one for county taxpayers.

Working for the county — while certainly not everyone’s dream job — comes with great perks that many private sector workers can only dream of having.

Having a job in difficult economic times should be appreciated; abusing that privilege by taking drugs or drinking alcohol on the job is just a slap in the face to taxpayers who are the ultimate “boss” of both supervisors and all other county employees.

We encourage the county, however, to make sure the change in policy is worded carefully to ensure the policy is legally defensible.

We’re happy Watts and the board made the change. It may seem harsh, but it appears to be what’s in the best interest of taxpayers — and that should always be the No. 1 goal of government.