Public objection results in Bonifay nixing proposed changes to cemetery ordinance

BONIFAY Â– Public outcry regarding a proposed ordinance amendment that would prohibit items such as figurines, bird feeders, solar lights, and other memorial personal items from the City Cemetery has resulted in the Cemetery Committee withdrawing the proposal from consideration of Bonifay City Council.

The first reading of the ordinance was heard when the council met in regular session Monday, April 26. The second reading was scheduled and subsequent vote were initially scheduled for the May 10 meeting, but due to advertising requirements, the vote was rescheduled for the May 24 meeting before being removed from the agenda completely.

Mayor James “Eddie” Sims released a statement on the matter Thursday, April 29, advising of the withdrawal of the committee’s recommendation, citing the need for more review of the matter.

“The committee would like more time to review and revise the ordinance to better meet the needs of the citizens as well as provide proper maintenance of the cemetery,” said Mayor Sims. “As Mayor, I granted the request and thereby have removed the topic from the City CouncilÂ’s agenda. As it stands, it is a voided issue.”

Sims went on to say that should the Cemetery Committee choose to bring the issue back to the table in the future, they would be required to hold a public hearing to receive input from the public on any proposed changes before once again submitting a revised ordinance to the council for consideration.

The Times-Advertiser will continue to follow this story and update as changes occur.