Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

New SWB Contract To Be Negotiated (cont)

ies how items can be burned, and what items cannot be burned. It does not inform residents what they can burn.

Under Arkansas law, however, nothing can be burned, including leaves and limbs.

But, the Gurdon ordinance, if approved by the council, simply says garbage cannot be burned at any time.

When questioned about the county's recently adopted burning ordinance, Smith said it's not as specific as the locally proposed law would be.

The county's ordinance does not set fines for those caught burning during a burn ban, while the city ordinance has a penalty between $100 and $500.

One member of the audience voiced opposition, saying he was against all these rules and regulations. He predicted the burning ordinance will prove to be nothing but trouble for city hall.

He said the ordinance is "uncalled for," and people have been burning their garbage "a long time." Those who lose control of their fires which result in the loss of other people's property should be held liable, he concluded.

Smith said in the first three months of 1996, the Gurdon Fire Department firemen have been paid more than $7,000 because of the rash of fires in the area.

He said at the current rate of fires, there may not be enough money to properly operate the GFD unless something is done.

Hughes then read the ordinance, which was passed for second reading by a 3-1 margin, with Williams the lone dissenting vote.

The issue will be brought up for a second reading during the May meeting.