While no financial punitive measures will be in place, Lyon County’s new mask mandate will still be enforceable, the question many have, however, is what will that enforcement look like.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope stated during the Lyon County Commission’s recent action session that enforcement will depend heavily on the exemptions in place within the mandate. County Counselor Marc Goodman stated Thursday he feels the mandate places the Sheriff in a “terrible spot” and says enforcement of the mandate could also place a heavy burden on his department in the coming months.
Goodman clarified this statement explaining that the process is not as simple as a ticket being written up and the individual being found guilty or innocent of a violation. He says the process will still require a significant amount of time and energy from his office as the “burden of proof” is on the state when it comes to prosecuting a violation.
As commissioners were weighing the possibility of instituting the mandate Thursday, Goodman stated there are more pressing crimes that deserve his and his office’s attention more so than whether or not an individual chooses to wear a mask. In an interview with KVOE Friday, Goodman admitted he could have worded that statement differently, however, he stands behind the principle of the statement.
After the city of Emporia issued its mandate back in August, Goodman stated the mandate was “legally” enforceable, however, it was not enforceable from a practical standpoint due to the number of exemptions included. When asked if he felt the county’s mandate would have more practicality, Goodman stated he commends commissioners for believing that there is a value in masks being mandated.
He would go on to say that in some respects he is sorry that he ever brought up the fact that he felt the issue was unenforceable. He says he was not making a judgment, he was simply stating a position on the matter.
According to a recent message from Emporia Police Sgt. Lisa Sage to KVOE, since the inception of the city’s mask mandate three months ago there have been no warnings or citations issued for violations.
During the official reading of the public health order Thursday, Lyon County Commission Chair Rollie Martin stated there will be no financial punitive measures enforced for any violation of the mandate. The mask mandate is in effect county-wide now through Jan. 14.
