Salemburg commissioners amend ordinance

by Doug Clark
Assistant Editor The Sampson Independent

Doug Clark/Sampson Independent

Salemburg commissioners, from left, Arnold Page, Donald Nance and Bobby Tew, take notes as mayor Bobby Strickland explains the need for an amendment to an ordinance.

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Despite very few offenders, commissioners with the town of Salemburg unanimously voted to make an amendment to Section 8 of their Code of Ordinances.

The ordinance, which is titled: “Uncontrolled growth of weeds and accumulation of refuse declared public nuisance” was amended at this month’s town board meeting to establish enforcement measures for preventing people from placing indoor furniture and other inappropriate items outside in open areas, such as porches, decks or other areas visible to the public.

The issue came earlier this month when complaints arose about a citizen who had filled their front porch with furniture.

“Such conditions increase the likelihood of fire, provide a breeding place for vermin, conceal dangerous conditions and contribute to visual blight, which lessen property values,” the amendment in Section 8-4001 states.

Mayor pro tem Joe Warren made a motion to amend the ordinance as presented, Shirley Cooper seconded and it was approved unanimously.

“What happens is we send them (the offender) a letter and if that person neglects or refuses to remove the condition constituting the nuisance within seven days from receipt of the order,” explained town clerk Juanita Faircloth, “then we will have it moved and cleared and they will be responsible for paying the costs of removal.”

If the fee isn’t paid, it is in the town’s right to place a lien against the property.

Water Meter Tampering

Another issue board members were concerned about was the recent tampering with water meters by citizens with older equipment. The issues stems from citizens whose water was cut off after they didn’t pay their bill. It was learned that some were going out and cutting the water back on themselves.

Board members amended the fee from $25 to $200 for anyone caught tampering with the meter.

“This is very rare,” noted Faircloth of the tampering. “This amendment is really being used as a deterrent from it happening again.”

Faircloth said there have only been “three or four” instances of this happening in the town, but because of a recent incident, it was felt the board needed to address the situation.

“We already have an ordinance that prohibits any tampering of the meters or with any town property,” noted Faircloth. “We send out full notification when water is being turned off to a customer; there is also a note on the meter that explains payment. If someone does tamper with the meter and turns it back on, they will have to pay the bill (in full) and now the $200 before it can be turned back on.”

Warren made a motion that Bobby Tew seconded, with all favoring to amend the fee schedule to increase the charge for tampering with water meters.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.

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Salemburg commissioners amend ordinance