The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has canceled a public hearing, scheduled for May 21, on a proposed ordinance that would have prohibited firing a gun too close to homes, businesses or places of public assembly.
“After talking with several of you, it seemed clear enough to me that we didn’t have the will to go forward with a firearms discharge ordinance,” County Board Chairman Harry Johnston said in a work session preceding the regular commissioners’ meeting Tuesday.
Johnston said he directed staff not to advertise the hearing, essentially canceling it, and commissioners in their regular meeting ratified the decision. The chairman said he had spoken with law enforcement officials, and they indicated the existing, disorderly conduct ordinance could be invoked if someone discharged a gun recklessly. “I think the wish of this board is to give this a try and see if this reins in the worst examples before we take any further action,” Johnson said.
The proposed ordinance would have prohibited gunfire on a land parcel of less than 60,000 square feet; within 100 yards of a residence or place of public assembly, worship or business; or within 50 yards of a public highway.
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