NAHUNTA — Nahunta City Council members adopted/amended eight ordinances during the February monthly meeting.
The list includes fireworks, misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, Theft by Shoplifting, bicycle laws, ATV and four-wheeler regulations, leash and animal control, establish annual adjustments to water and sewer rates based on CPI (Consumer Price Index) and inclement weather during the February 3 meeting inside City Hall. The first six all have fines from a first offense to a third and subsequent offense.
Fireworks Ordinance No. 25-01-001
The ordinance regulates fireworks within the City of Nahunta to regulate fireworks to promote public safety, health and welfare.
There are three definitions of use — Consumer Fireworks, Display Fireworks and Special Event Permit. Consumer Fireworks are any small fireworks intended for use by the public; Display Fireworks are large fireworks primarily designed for professional use; and a Special Event Permit is issued by the City for organized displays There is also and Hours of Use section for discharge which includes July 4th (10 a.m.-11:59 p.m.), New Year’s Eve (10 a.m.-1 a.m. January 1), and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. for all other days. No fireworks may be discharged between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m., except as provided above.
The penalty for a first offense is a $100 fine, the second is $250, and the third and subsequent offenses are fines of $500 and possible confiscation of fireworks.
Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Ordinance No. 25-01-002
The ordinance provides penalties for violations in the City of Nahunta.
Marijuana is defined as any part of the cannabis plant, including its seeds and resin, as specified in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-21 with misdemeanor possession being one ounce or less of marijuana as specified under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2(b).
The penalties for any person found guilty of violating this ordinance are a $500 fine for first offense, $750 for a second offense, and $900 and/or community service for a third and subsequent offenses.
Theft by Shoplifting Ordinance No. 25-01-003
The ordinance defines shoplifting, merchandise and gives the penalties for the violation.
Shoplifting is defined as an act of theft involving taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying, as specified under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14. Merchandise includes any goods, wares, or personal property offered for sale by a retail establishment.
The penalties for any person found guilty of violating this ordinance is $500 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment for the first offense; $750 and/or up to 60 days imprisonment for the second offense; and $1,000 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment for a third and subsequent offenses.
Bicycle Laws Ordinance No. 25-01-004
The ordinance regulates the riding of bicycles in the City of Nahunta and penalties for violators.
Bicycles must comply with Georgia state traffic laws as specified in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-290 through § 40-6299 and must be equipped with functional brakes, front lights, and rear reflectors for nighttime operation.
Sidewalk restrictions do not allow adults (16 years of age and older) from operating bicycles on sidewalks within the City of Nahunta. Children (under the age of 16) are permitted to ride bicycles on sidewalks, provided they yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
The penalties for any person found guilty of violating this ordinance are a $50 fine for first offense, $75 for a second offense, and $100 for a third and subsequent offenses.
ATV, Four-Wheeler Regulations Ordinance No. 25-01-005 The ordinance regulates where ATVs and fourwheelers are permitted and penalties for violators.
It shall be unlawful to operate any ATV or fourwheeler on public streets, sidewalks, parks or public property within the City of Nahunta except where designated or permitted by law.
ATVs and four-wheelers may not be operated on private property without the consent of the property owner.
The penalties for any person found guilty of violating this ordinance are a $250 fine for first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $750 and/or confiscation of the vehicle for a third and subsequent offenses.
Leash and Animal Control Ordinance No. 25-01-006 The ordinance regulates the control of animals, including leash requirements within the City of Nahunta.
Animal is defined as any domesticated dog, cat, or other pet owned or kept by a person. Leash is defined as a cord, chain or similar device securely fastened to an animal to keep it under control while being handled by a responsible person. At Large is the term used to define an animal if it is not on a leash or under the immediate control of a responsible person.
Leash requirements state all dogs must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible person when off the owner’s property. Animals may be confined within a secure fence or enclosure on the owner’s property. It shall be unlawful for any person to allow an animal to run at large within the City of Nahunta.
Dangerous and nuisance animals, deemed dangerous under O.C.G.A. § 4-8-21, must be registered with the City and comply with all state and local requirements for dangerous animals. Owners must take necessary precautions to prevent their animals from creating a nuisance, including excessive barking or aggressive behavior.
Penalties for violations are $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense and $250 and/or removal of the animal from the city limits for a third and subsequent offenses.
Law enforcement officers and animal control officers are authorized to enforce this ordinance. Violations may be prosecuted in the municipal court of Nahunta, Georgia.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and Mayor.
Water and Sewer Ordinance No. 20-104 This ordinance establishes an annual adjustment to the city’s water and sewer rates based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), to ensure that rates remain aligned with the cost of providing services.
The city seeks to ensure that its rates for water and sewer services remain fair, equitable, and sufficient to cover the costs of operation, maintenance and improvements to the water and sewer systems.
Beginning on January 1st of each year, the water and sewer rates for the City of Nahunta shall be adjusted annually. The adjustment shall be based on the percentage change in the CPIU for the 12-month period from January 1st through December 31st of preceding year The percentage increase or decrease in the CPI-U shall be applied to the base rates in effect at the time of the adjustment.
The annual adjustment shall not exceed 10% unless specifically authorized by the mayor and council through a separate resolution. In the event of a decrease in the CPI-U, rates shall not fall below the rates established prior to the adjustment.
The City shall provide public notice of the adjusted rates at least once a week for 30 days prior to the implementation. Notice may be provided through the City’s official website, utility billing statements and newspaper ads.
The City Council reserves the right to waive or modify the annual adjustment in cases declared emergencies, significant economic downturns, or other extraordinary circumstances.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and publication as required by law.
Inclement Weather Ordinance No. 25-01-008 The ordinance establishes procedures for the City of Nahunta for inclement weather.
It is to be followed by city employees during times of inclement weather which may include such weather occurrences as hurricanes, ice or snowstorms or other weather events where the conditions may warrant the closing of some or all of the City’s departments, not including Police Services.
In cases of inclement weather, the City Manager shall have the option to close non-emergency functions of City government up to three days depending on the severity of conditions within a 40-mile radius of City Hall.
