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Pecos council opens debate on stricter noise rules, asks staff for more analysis
Summary
Council heard police and residents describe ongoing late‑night noise complaints near downtown and directed staff to return with more information on decibel thresholds, enforcement tools and potential standards for visible meters at entertainment venues.
Pecos City Council on Jan. 24 discussed revisions to the city’s noise ordinance amid complaints from nearby residents and preparation for a proposed downtown entertainment district.
Chief of Police Lisa Tarango told the council that recent complaints focus on nightclubs and bars that meet state decibel limits yet continue to disrupt nearby homes. “We’re looking for, maybe redo the ordinance or at least modify it to where we have a little bit more to work with,” Tarango said.
During the public‑comment period resident Maria Olga Flores told the council she has raised the issue repeatedly and urged action. “We just want a quiet night's rest, 7 days a week,” Flores said.
Council members discussed options that included lowering a local threshold below the state’s 85‑decibel standard, setting different limits by hour, requiring visible decibel meters at venues and an escalating penalty structure for repeat violations. Councilors and staff noted technical and legal complications: officers must measure noise at the complainant’s property line, and businesses that are grandfathered into current zoning may present special cases.
Tarango and staff said the police department can supply sample decibel readings and recommended additional meters for patrol to improve enforcement data. Council members suggested a town‑hall meeting with business owners and operators to seek voluntary cooperation while formal rules are developed.
After extended discussion, the council voted to direct staff to return with more information, including example decibel levels and draft ordinance language for council consideration.
