The Mississippi County Police, Fire and Safety Committee is getting ready to start drafting an ordinance dealing with unsightly properties lying outside of city limits. The ordinance will be based on a 2008 ordinance adopted by Crittenden County, but will feature some key changes.
The committee moved Thursday to send a copy of the Crittenden County ordinance to County Attorney Dan Ritchey with revisions made that better suit Mississippi County's situation -- which according to County Judge Randy Carney is largely going to be reactive and not proactive.
"We're not going to be going out and looking for these properties," Carney said. "Nothing is going to happen -- this will start with a call and that is most likely going to come here, to my office."
Two of the biggest concerns addressed were the fines issued to property owners. The original ordinance said fines could range from $20-$500, leaving the amount issued up to a judge. Justice Robert Earl Davis suggested the fine be a set fee of $100 to ensure fairness.
Changes will also be made to the language addressing any and all farm chemicals, equipment, land or other assets, particularly in regard to storage of large farm equipment that may no longer be functioning but may still be a valuable asset for parts.
Carney said he will give Ritchey a copy of the proposed changes and have him draw up the ordinance, hopefully in time for the next Quorum Court meeting.
The issue was first brought up by Carney during the February meeting of the full Quorum Court. Carney told the Court he receives a number of complaints, but without any kind of ordinance, he can't do much to help county residents looking to him and the Court.
"We all want to be good neighbors, and I think those of us sitting here are, but not everyone is," Carney said. "With (an ordinance), we'll be able to make sure everyone is being a good neighbor."
cpinkaerd@blythevillecourier.com