Columbus County commissioners approve ordinance removing permit requirement for gatherings after public hearing

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance removing the county requirement that organizers secure permits for public gatherings, following a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about protests near schools and whether the local rule was redundant with existing state or civil law.

The ordinance, listed on the agenda as an Attorney's Office item, was moved by Commissioner Watts and seconded by Commissioner Bullard. After a brief discussion and public comment, the motion carried; Commissioner Eadsen was recorded as opposed.

Supporters of retaining a permitting requirement argued during the public hearing that protests or demonstrations near schools can disrupt classrooms and attention to learning, and said local rules help keep demonstrations away from school grounds at times that would not interfere with instruction. Other speakers and at least one commissioner said the proposed ordinance might be redundant because enforcement of disruptive conduct could be handled under state law or by law enforcement when incidents occur on state roads or under civil statutes.

During the hearing, county officials closed public comment before the commissioners considered the motion. Commissioners voted on the ordinance after brief discussion; a named commissioner opposed, and the motion nevertheless passed.

The ordinance as approved eliminates the county-level permit requirement for gatherings; the county did not detail additional implementing rules or cite a specific state statute during the discussion. County staff did not enumerate new enforcement procedures or identify changes to other local regulations in the meeting record.

The measure takes effect under county process once the clerk completes the administrative steps to file the ordinance. Commissioners did not specify an effective date on the record at the meeting. The board also discussed, in the public hearing, distinctions between conduct that would be subject to civil enforcement and activity on state-controlled roadways, but the record does not show the county identifying a new enforcement mechanism tied to the ordinance.

The approval concluded the public hearing item and returns the county to its regular agenda. No additional amendments to the ordinance were recorded during the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Mover — Commissioner Watts; Second — Commissioner Bullard; Opposed — Commissioner Eadsen; Outcome — approved.