Commissioners agree to restrict smoking at Alleghany Courthouse

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners agreed Monday to restrict smoking in the courthouse building. The action came after several county employees complained about problems with smoke filling the middle-floor hallways, especially on court days. The county tax office, E-911 office, register of deeds and clerk of court all have offices on that floor of the building.

Two county department heads, Wendy Williams of the E-911 office and Mary Walker of the tax office, wrote in support of limiting smoking in the courthouse.

Williams stated in a letter to the board that she finds the conditions of smoke in the courthouse to be a nuisance and a health hazard. Walker also said the situation was a health problem, noting that on days and weeks when court is in session, it can be difficult to breathe.

County Attorney Ed Woltz wrote in a letter to County Manager Don Adams that state law was designed to protect the rights of both smokers and non-smokers. Regulated public buildings must have at least 20 percent of their space set aside for smokers. However, the law allows local boards to set aside less space in situations where older buildings, such as the courthouse, are involved.

Under the county’s vote, the top floor foyer, the jail area and the outside area in front of the building will now be reserved as smoking areas. The remainder of the building, including the first and second floors, will be non-smoking areas.

Commissioner Sandy Carter asked if the building could be made entirely smoke-free. Adams said that it could not, since the county opted not to make all county buildings smoke-free when the original law was passed by the state.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins asked if a smoking area could be incorporated in future renovations. Adams said it could, but the renovations may be one or two years away.

Commissioner Patrick Woodie said he has witnessed the smoke on court days. "It is like a fog," he said.

Commissioner Eldon Edwards voiced concerns that the building’s ventilation still would not solve the smoke problems.

"We might be able to take care of that later on," Commissioner Warren Taylor said.

Woodie agreed, "I'm not sure that it will be satisfactory, but I don’t see how we have any options."

Adams asked that the ordinance be implemented in about one month’s time. The ordinance was passed unanimously on a motion by Woodie, seconded by Taylor.

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