Spencer County Fiscal Court gives first reading to amended mask ordinance amid pandemic

Spencer County Fiscal Court gave first reading May 18 to Ordinance No. 10, a proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 20 (2005) that updates county rules on masks and explicitly lists exemptions including children under 16, theatrical or occupational uses, gas-mask drills and a specific exemption for medically necessary mouth-and-nose coverings.

Judge Executive John Riley and members of the court discussed the ordinance text, which broadens exemptions and recognizes the current public-health context. The court approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 10 by roll call vote; the ordinance language shown to the court states the measure would become effective in June and proceeds to a second reading on a later meeting date for final action.

The court also reviewed an April 17 executive order issued by Judge Riley that had temporarily suspended enforcement of Ordinance No. 20 to allow residents to wear protective masks during the COVID-19 emergency. The executive order cited state emergency declarations and said suspending enforcement was necessary while masks were medically recommended to slow viral spread.

Fiscal Court members emphasized the measure is procedural at this stage: first reading advances the ordinance for review and it will return for a second reading and final vote. Court documents presented in the meeting list the ordinance exemptions and the process for adoption; members directed staff to proceed with the scheduled review and required publication.