The Greene County Board of Supervisors discussed earlier this week about establishing a county nuisance ordinance.

County Attorney Nick Martino says currently when a complaint is filed, he has to bring a civil action to bring a property owner to court and then have a hearing and then let the judge decide how to handle the nuisance problem.  It only pertains to rural landowners, not any properties within an incorporated City.

However, due to the long process that it takes, the Board wanted to have a more streamline process.

Martino suggested that the Board have the final decision, using an ordinance as a guideline, to handle each nuisance complaint.

While not all the Supervisors were in favor of having an ordinance, the ones that were against it could see some merit on both sides of the issue like Chair John Muir.

“I’d like to lean towards it’s each person’s own business how they live, how they surround their house, what things they want to keep.  But I also understand obligations we each have to keep things presentable.”

Sheriff Steve Haupert said the Supervisors want to clean up abandoned properties and make useful properties safe from injuries to anyone who may come onto their property due to liability issues.

However, Muir points out that whatever decision is finally made, the personal feelings of each Supervisor will be put aside for the greater good of the county.

“However comfortable we are with this Board, that way it’s made up, this won’t be the Board forever.  So whatever we do, (we) want it to be neutral to the personalities on the Board.  The way they would interpret situations.”

A decision was tabled until further information is provided to the Supervisors from other counties.