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Cumberland County discussion on ordinance to restrict exploding shooting targets ends in 3-3 tie
Summary
The board considered an ordinance to regulate explosive targets used at shooting ranges and on private property; the motion received a 3-3 vote and no formal action was adopted. Commissioners and members of the public cited noise, veteran PTSD concerns and limits of county authority.
Vice Chairwoman Jones moved to adopt an ordinance to regulate exploding shooting targets and related firing-range activities; the motion was seconded but received a 3-3 split and the board took no formal action.
The ordinance discussion focused on a narrow issue: exploding targets that fragment or detonate on impact and can generate high-decibel noise close to houses and neighbors. Chairman said the change "wasn't a move to restrict gun owners' rights" but intended "to limit the explosion that was happening" and to reduce disturbance for nearby residents and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Commissioner Tyson asked for legal clarification on penalties and whether pending state legislation could affect local action. The county attorney told commissioners the documents and discussion did not create an attorney-client privilege barrier to public consideration. A member of the public who identified concerns about veterans and noise described the targets as causing disruptive decibel levels.
Because the vote was evenly split, the ordinance was not adopted and no formal ordinance took effect at the meeting. Commissioners said the matter can be brought back for further consideration; the chair indicated the topic may return to a future agenda for additional briefing or a new motion.
Ending: The board did not adopt the ordinance during the meeting. Commissioners and staff said they may return the proposal for further discussion and clarification of penalties, technical noise thresholds and any relevant state legislative developments before taking final action.
