By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County magistrates voted 4-3 to pass a countywide animal control ordinance Tuesday morning during a fiscal court meeting.
After being the focus of several public meetings, four magistrates — Brad Groce, Jeff Botts, Tim Coomer and Ronnie Stinson — voted to pass the ordinance, while three — Tim Durham, Derek Pedigo and Marty Kinslow — voted against.
Botts explained his support of the ordinance prior to the roll call vote.
“I have all the faith that if there’s something that we possibly missed — if there’s something that comes up — that we can address that and look at that. We’re up here to help and we can change it if we need to,” he said.
Durham clarified before the vote that his vote was for the people in his district and not his own.
“The vote I make is not for Tim Durham…I’m voting for the people in my district [District 3],” he said. “They’re the ones that spoke out and they’re the reason I’m sitting here. It’s not my choice to make.”
Kinslow explained his opposition to the ordinance in much the same way as Durham.
“If you don’t listen to your constituents, what are you here for?” Kinslow said.
Before the ordinance vote, Barren County Attorney Mike Richardson explained a few amendments that were submitted between the first and second reading. Richardson said the amendments addressed “all major issues.” Amendments removed jail time for certain offenses, clarified fines, defined neighborhoods and the excessive barking clause, and deleted a vague section. The amendments passed by a 5 to 2 vote.
As with all ordinance, this went into effect after its second reading.
The full ordinance can be read here. The summary of the amendment can be read here.
Key Facts
– Barren County Fiscal Court approves ordinance 4-3
– Amendments addressed major issues, passed 5-2
– Magistrate Jeff Botts expressed confidence in future amendments
– Ordinance becomes effective after second reading
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