Whitfield County commissioners rescind mask ordinance for county facilities after public opposition
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Summary
Whitfield County commissioners voted to remove their ordinance requiring masks inside county-owned buildings and vehicles, leaving in place a nonbinding resolution encouraging mask use. Public commenters opposed the mandate and some urged continued protections for hospital capacity.
Whitfield County commissioners voted Jan. 11 to remove an ordinance that had required masks inside county-owned facilities and vehicles, replacing the mandate with a nonbinding resolution that strongly encourages mask use in public.
The motion to rescind the ordinance was made by Commissioner Greg Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robby Staten; the board approved the motion 3-0. The rescission follows public comment both opposing the mandate and urging care for hospital capacity.
Several residents spoke during the public-comment portion of the meeting. Caleb Callahan of Ringgold said he opposed the ordinance implemented Dec. 14, 2020. Billy Wilson of Tunnel Hill recalled that, at an August meeting, some commissioners had said they would not extend a prior mask ordinance; Debra Gordon of Dalton also opposed the requirement. Shannon Bearfield of Dalton asked the board and attendees for alternative approaches to help overwhelmed hospital workers and prevent unnecessary deaths if hospitals reach capacity.
Commissioner Greg Jones framed the board action as a removal of the ordinance; the board maintained a separate resolution that “strongly encourages the use of masks in public.” Jackie Killings, a county resident, urged the board to consult county employees about how safe they feel in county buildings before rescinding the ordinance.
The minutes record no further formal public-health directives tied to the board’s action. The rescission applies to county-owned facilities and county vehicles; the board did not adopt any new enforcement mechanism at the meeting.
The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent. The rescission is the latest local response to COVID-19 public-health measures recorded by the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners in recent months.