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Poplar Bluff City Council adopts solicitation ordinance after veterans warn fundraising could be affected
Summary
The Poplar Bluff City Council adopted an amendment to solicitation rules (Bill No. 8696; Ordinance No. 26-29) on June 15, 2026, in a 5–2 vote after local veterans groups expressed concern their fundraising might be limited; City Attorney Mark Richardson said fundraising would not be prohibited.
Poplar Bluff City Council voted June 15, 2026, to adopt an amendment to Chapter 21, Section 210.720 of the city code governing solicitation and public safety. The ordinance (Bill No. 8696), after first and second readings, passed on a roll call vote of five in favor and two opposed and was recorded as Ordinance No. 26-29.
The measure drew brief public comment from local veterans organizations. Larry Kimbrow, representing Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1056, told the council he was concerned “this ordinance would restrict their fundraising abilities,” citing the importance of the group’s Boots on the Ground fundraiser to local charities. Ted Dougherty, representing the Marine Corps League, described the ordinance language as “confusing” and asked the council to ensure it would not interfere with the League’s fundraising and community events.
City Attorney Mark Richardson told the council that, as written and explained in the meeting, the ordinance would not prohibit fundraising by civic or veterans’ groups. After the discussion the council proceeded with the readings and the final vote. The roll call on adoption was: Yes—Councilmembers Boyer, Horton, Cornman, Jones and DePew; No—Mayor Pro Tem Parson and Mayor Robert L. Smith.
Why it matters: The ordinance amends the city’s solicitation rules, an area that can affect how nonprofit and volunteer organizations raise funds in public spaces. Local veterans and service organizations pressed the council for clarity; city officials said the policy would not bar fundraising but did not specify operational guidelines or permit processes during the meeting.
What’s next: The ordinance was assigned Ordinance No. 26-29 at passage. Councilman David Boyer requested further review and read Section 210.720 Part B aloud during closing comments, and the council scheduled additional related items for the July 6 workshop. Any implementing procedures, enforcement guidance, or permit requirements were not specified in the meeting record.
