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Resident urges Columbia County to equip deputies with calibrated decibel meters to enforce noise ordinance
Summary
Robert Hamilton, a Columbia County resident, told commissioners he has documented persistent neighborhood noise complaints and urged the sheriff's office to certify deputies on calibrated decibel meters so they can issue citations at the time of the infraction.
At the start of the Nov. 18 meeting, resident Robert Hamilton addressed the board during public comment about a recurring neighborhood noise problem. Hamilton said a recent trial resulted in a plea on two counts, but complaints have continued and the defendant remains on probation.
Hamilton urged the board to address enforcement challenges. "To actually enforce the ordinance, they need you to get them certified on a calibrated decibel meter," he said, adding he had court dates and file numbers available for commissioners to review and recommended watching the judge's summary on the trial recording. He suggested that, with certified operators, deputies could issue citations at the time of the infraction "much like a speeding ticket," and that escalating fines could be more effective than the current system.
The chair thanked Hamilton for the comment and suggested the board consult with the sheriff. No formal action on noise enforcement was taken at the meeting.
