COLUMBIANA COUNTY Commissioners will enforce smoking ban for public buildings

Smokers who violate the ban face fines up to $100.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County commissioners are cracking down on smokers who light up in county buildings.
Commissioners adopted a resolution Wednesday that strengthens a less formal and largely ignored ban on smoking in county-owned and leased buildings.
Commissioners said they intend this time to stick to the newly instituted ban, although they say they'll rely mostly on the honor system instead of active enforcement.
For years, smoking has been prohibited in county buildings. But the ban has been routinely ignored, mostly at the county courthouse, commissioners said.
Employees, visitors, even some department heads, have lighted up in offices, restrooms and the enclosed foyer attached to the courthouse's main entrance.
"There have been some complaints about the amount of smoking in the building," Commissioner Jim Hoppel said.
One smoker troublespot in particular is the women's restroom in the courthouse basement, he added.
Hoppel said he also is disturbed by the use of the courthouse foyer as a smoking lounge.
The practice gives a bad impression, he said, noting that courthouse visitors must pass through the smoky space to get into the building.
The new ban takes effect Jan. 1, which will be just in time for New Year's resolutions, joked Commissioner Sean Logan.
State law
State law already bans smoking in county buildings, commissioners said. The local resolution was adopted to help emphasize the state law, Hoppel said.
Violators face being charged with a minor misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $100.
In other business, commissioners agreed to hire Walter Davis as a dog warden deputy and pound keeper.
Davis will be paid $7.54 an hour. His wage will go to $8.04 an hour after six months.
Commissioners also approved the annexation to East Palestine of about 3.14 acres of private land in Unity Township along Road.