Christian County commissioners directed county counsel to draft an addendum to the special-event permit ordinance that would let organizers at established, fixed locations file a single permit listing multiple dates rather than separate permits for each event.

Presiding Commissioner Lee said the change responds to recurring public-safety and coordination issues at large private events on the county's east side and noted the value of matching the sheriff's schedule. Lee said the county will consider adding the day before Christmas after coordination with Judge Johnson, and asked counsel to prepare language for the commission to vote on Dec. 4.

Sheriff Brad Cole described how deputies improved traffic flow and reduced liability after being present at an event. "After the first event he had that we were there, pretty much he saw the benefit and the flow of traffic and how we were getting people in and out," Cole said, adding that using deputies for traffic control reduces private-party liability.

Organizers asked whether a single, annual permit listing all dates would be acceptable; commissioners and staff agreed in principle but emphasized safeguards. Commissioner Bradley Jackson and other staff stressed that any addendum should limit multi-date permits to fixed locations with consistent setups, include a current site plan and reserve the county's right to deny or revoke permission if an event expands beyond the approved scope.

The commission indicated a consensus to have Mark, the county's in-house counsel, draft an addendum and return it for formal consideration and a vote at the Dec. 4 meeting.

What happens next: Counsel will prepare the draft addendum and staff will circulate it to public-safety stakeholders before the December meeting.