Colbert commissioners to hear opinions about junk ordinance

TUSCUMBIA -- County residents will have an opportunity Monday to give commissioners their opinions on a new junk-ordinance.

The public hearing will be 5-7 p.m. at the county's office complex on U.S. 72 in Tuscumbia.

The ordinance is the result of voter approval of the Alabama Limited Self-Governance Act in November.

The act gives county commissions the authority to handle issues like junk, public nuisances and litter.

The commission agreed that junk would be the first issue they tackle.

County Administrator Donna Llewellyn said copies of the-ordinance will be available-at the hearing.

Commission Chairman Rex Burleson will conduct a PowerPoint presentation explaining the ordinance.

The floor will then be opened for questions or comments from the public.

Llewellyn said questions would be referred to the commissioner who represents the district in which the resident lives.

She said the public hearing is not required before passing the ordinance.

"It's a courtesy to the citizens and the desire to inform them," Llewellyn said.

County Commission Chairman Rex Burleson said the ordinance gives the county some leeway in cleaning up unsightly areas, especially those considered junkyards.

He said that after the public hearing, the ordinance will be advertised again. The commission will then vote on the ordinance.

It will become law once if the commission approves it. If approved, it could be in place by July.

Burleson said litter and weeds will be addressed next.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.