City sounds off on noise law
By Lizz Harold Staff Writer

Excessive noise in the town of Murphy has led city council leaders to consider revising the current ordinance to include court conviction.

Violators may face fines and further consequences within city limits. Though perceived as an insignificant charge, many cities across the nation have taken stand against "noise pollution." For example, an offender may face a fine up to $500.00 for causing a cacophony in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"There are certain things you have to draw the line with," said Mayor Bill Hughes, discussing the various factors that support the need for a revised noise law.

He said that unnecessary noise in residential areas are a concern to the city. Illegal mufflers, cranked up stereo systems and late night construction work attribute to the peace disturbance problem.

Mayor Hughes has sought advisement to change the city law to that of the county. Under the Cherokee County ordinance, police officers can issue citations to citizens that lead to convictions in court. Such consequences could lead noisy citizens to quiet down.

The ordinance will undergo further discussion at next month's Murphy city council meeting. The council will then decide whether they will completely discard or revise the current town ordinance.