In an effort to keep businesses open, avoid lockdowns and to slow the community spread of COVID-19, the Marshall County Commissioners unanimously adopted an ordinance in a special meeting on Friday morning that requires face masks be worn by any person or individual entering any enclosed public space or enclosed place of business.
The ordinance states that it addresses concerns that have arisen regarding workplace safety of employees whose employers are not requiring their employees to wear face coverings as mandated by Governor Eric Holcomb, Marshall County Health Officer Dr. Byron Holm and the Marshall County Health Department.
A business “must require their employees, contractors, owners and volunteers to wear a face mask at the workplace.”
The Marshall County Health Department, Health Officer, and other local officials or law enforcement officers are designated to enforce the terms and provisions of the ordinance in accordance with Indiana law. The fine for violation of the ordinance shall be $100.
If a person refuses to comply with the requirements for wearing a face mask, the person shall be asked to leave the premises. If a person refuses to leave the premises, that person is “subject to criminal prosecution for trespass and/or disorderly conduct, a Class B Misdemeanor.
The ordinance will be in effect until the commissioners take action to rescind it.
Commission President Kevin Overmyer asked church clergy to encourage wearing masks.
“I plead to the clergy of this county that they be mindful of what we are trying to do at this point in time,” stated Overmyer. “Try to limit the risk of contamination and just be mindful of their parishioners that they aren’t putting them at risk either.”
Commissioner Michael Burroughs said that many churches are offering virtual services.
Commissioner Stan Klotz commented that the commissioners are trying to help save lives in the county.
Klotz stated, “This is more than a piece of paper. This is about saving lives and we’re at that point now. The bottom line is we’re at the point now where if you have a heart attack or stroke tonight, and I’m in that age group so I’m really concerned, I may not get medical treatment. It’s a hard reality. We take life seriously in this county and every citizen is valuable. If you have a problem with this, tell me whose life we shouldn’t try to save!”
The ordinance is in effect and will be published as required by law. Since it is an emergency, the fine can be assessed immediately without the 30 day publishing requirement.
The entire special meeting can be heard during the Maximum Impact program at noon on MAX 98.3 FM.
The ordinance can be viewed below. This copy was provided to MAX news prior to signing.
