The Fisher County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on Monday that initiated countywide curfew for residents younger than 18. Although the ordinance was imitated by a group of citizens in late July, it has gained the support of city officials and the Fisher County Sheriff's Department.
A communitybased committee of almost 20 individuals first discussed the possibility of petitioning the court for a countywide curfew as part of its goal of sharing ideas and implementing strategies to address a variety of complex social issues. Shortly after, Roby City Mayor Eli Sepeda spoke on behalf of both Roby and Rotan municipalities, hoping that a countywide curfew would allow county deputies to assist the cities to enforce local ordinances.
Fisher County Sheriff Randy Ford has been openly in favor of the countywide curfew, saying that by working with the Justice of the Peace, it could prove itself a powerful tool to help curb incidents involving youths out after hours. With the commissioners wanting to see a proposed curfew ordinance after last month’s meeting, Fisher County Attorney Michael Hall drafted the resolution the court ultimately approved earlier this week.
The adopted curfew applies to the entirety of Fisher County unlawful for any juvenile under the age of 18 years of age to be upon the streets, sidewalks, or out in any public place during the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. While several exceptions allow for a defense of prosecution, those who violate the ordinance can be found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500