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Commission discusses repeated theft of stop signs and public-safety costs
Summary
Commissioners reported multiple stolen stop signs in the county, discussed costs and liability and asked staff to consider public awareness and enforcement steps.
Choctaw County commissioners discussed an increase in stop-sign thefts that county staff say is causing expense and public-safety risk, and they asked staff and the sheriff's office to explore public-notice and enforcement options.
Commissioners said the county has lost "two or three" or as many as "three or four" stop signs recently and noted costs from materials and installation. One commissioner said stolen signs create liability risks if a missing sign contributes to a crash; commissioners referenced a past case elsewhere where removal of signage led to a fatality and a criminal charge.
The commission discussed public outreach and possible press coverage to warn residents about consequences for stealing signs and the expense to the county. The sheriff and commissioners discussed enforcement challenges and that replacing signs imposes both material and manpower costs.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff and the sheriff's office to consider a public notice or press article outlining the consequences of stop-sign theft and to monitor problem locations for enforcement and replacement.
