County commissioners to stop drinking and loitering at county boat ramps

Franklin county commissioners are taking steps to end drinking and loitering at county boat ramps.

There is already a rule in place that bans drinking at some of the county’s older boat ramps, but that rule needs to be updated to include a number of newer ramps that have been built over the past few years.

Commissioners say they don’t want to stop people from enjoying the amenities at the ramps, some of which have picnic facilities, but they do want to give the sheriff’s department the power to remove people who are visibly drunk or to remove people who are just loitering at the sites.

Commission chairman Smokey Parrish said the board does realize that the ramps are there for the public to use but the county does need some controls out there.

County attorney Michael Shuler said he will update the existing rule and schedule a public hearing for upcoming county commission meeting so residents can comment on it.

The board is also concerned about recent vandalism at the new remodeled Eastpoint Boat ramp.

Commissioner Pinki Jackel said that three of the five solar panels at the site which provide power to lights at the site have been destroyed.

She believes the damage to the panels was not accidental.

The county will have to repair the panels which they expect will cost a lot to do.

This time they will look at additional protections so they aren’t broken again.

If any one has any information about the damage at the Eastpoint boat ramp – please contact the Franklin County sheriff’s office.

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