The Fisher County Commissioners agreed to move forward with reviewing a potential curfew, which could aid cities with enforcing existing ordinances. Although the court took no official action, the commissioners agreed the curfew was something they could support and could possibly adopt the countywide ordinance next month.
Fisher County Sheriff Randy Ford addressed the court earlier this month, speaking to the commissioners on behalf of city officials. Mayors of both Roby and Rotan requested the commissioners implement a countywide curfew that mirrored those of the cities.
Each city ordinance sets a midnight curfew for all juveniles — those 17 years of age or younger. The curfew is not without its flexibility, also containing multiple pages of exceptions that include school or church-related activities, going to and coming from a job, etc.
Ford said he has been meeting with Fisher County Judge Ken Holt, discussing how the current city ordinances could be applied at the county level using some commonsense practices. He said it would expand his department's authority to include both Roby and Rotan and could be a way for the county to help with the criminal activity both cities are facing.
Ford said it could also provide some assistance to probation officers, as juvenile probation often comes with imposed curfews. He said it could also help families whose children are at an age where they are rebelling and sometimes sneak out of the house.
Fisher County Commissioner Preston Martin said he knows there are younger kids out at all hours of the night, saying a curfew was something he felt he could support.
Fisher County Attorney Michael Hall said he has reviewed the city ordinances, and while he would recommend some changes, until there is a working ordinance for the County, he was hesitant to share an opinion or a recommendation. Hall said it would be prudent for the court to get a working document for the court’s review before moving forward with taking action to approve the ordinance
Commissioner Gordon Pippen agreed with Hall, saying he would also like to see a written proposal, but was also not in opposition of the idea overall. The court unanimously approved drafting an ordinance proposal, which should appear before the court during next month’s meeting, scheduled for October 11.