Resident urges ordinance to ban firearm discharge in residential areas after repeated incidents

Kimberly Bailey told the Surry County Board of Supervisors she has experienced repeated instances of a neighbor discharging firearms in a residential area and asked the board to consider an ordinance to prohibit firearm discharge in populated areas. Bailey said the sheriff responded to a Christmas Eve call but the behavior continued and described repeated incidents that have caused fear and reduced quality of life for family members and grandchildren.

"This is about public safety and populated areas," Bailey said, adding that recreational shooting could continue at designated ranges outside residential neighborhoods. Board members thanked her for raising the concern, noted the area's hunting traditions and urged continued sheriff involvement. No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting; members asked staff to explore options and recommended residents call the sheriff each time an incident occurs so a documented record exists.