Committee refers public nuisance ordinance to finance with fine cap raised to $1,000

On March 4, 2026, the Buffalo County Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Committee voted to refer a proposed public nuisance ordinance to the county finance committee with an amendment to raise the current $500 fine up to $1,000.

Sheriff Mike Osmond, who discussed the ordinance with the committee, said the measure "stemmed from getting approximately 100 calls at an apartment complex," and explained the intent is to give the county tools to reduce repeat nuisance calls. Committee member John Hadley asked whether fines would be assessed to landlords or tenants; Osmond said fines "can either go to the landlord or the tenant" and that deputies were prepared to "work with landlords." Coordinator Lee Engfer suggested using a range for the three fine tiers so finance can set specific amounts.

Why it matters: committee discussion made clear the ordinance intends to address frequent calls that consume deputy resources; committee members emphasized the need to avoid unduly penalizing landlords who are cooperating or tenants already in eviction processes. John Hadley moved to pass the ordinance to finance with an amendment setting the fine amount up to $1,000; Carol McDonough seconded and the motion carried.

The ordinance was forwarded for financial review and for finance to set exact penalty amounts. The committee did not adopt final fine amounts or alter eviction procedures; any changes to the ordinance will be considered in the finance committee and returned to the committee as required.