By Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph
PRINCETON — A panhandling ordinance passed this week by the Raleigh County Commission could serve as a model for other southern West Virginia counties experiencing any problems with panhandling and the problems it poses.
During a meeting Tuesday, the Raleigh County Commission unanimously passed an ordinance requiring anyone soliciting money in public, including panhandlers, to acquire a free permit from the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office. These permits can be obtained twice every six months for a total of four times a year. Organizations such as volunteer fire departments and school groups seeking donations in public are now required to obtain a permit. The ordinance also applies to panhandlers.
Violators first receive a verbal warning. A second offense will result in a written warning and a third offense could include a fine of up to $100. Panhandlers facing addictions and other problems will be guided to services that they need.
In Mercer County, County Commission President Bill Archer said there was a panhandling ordinance back in the 1930s, but he did not know if it was still on the books or whether it covered just the city of Princeton.