Panhandlers could soon have to undergo a criminal background check and pay $20 a month if they want to continually ask people for money in Johnston County.
County commissioners voted 6-1 last week to set limits on people who beg for money in Johnston. Wade Stewart cast the lone vote against a new ordinance. A second vote is set to take place next month.
Under the proposed rules, panhandlers would be required to get a permit every 30 days through the sheriff's office. The first month's permit would be free, but panhandlers would pay $20 for each subsequent permit.
Johnston leaders have been considering panhandling rules for months. Wake County commissioners recently voted to require panhandlers to get free permits, and some local residents said the new rules in Wake are pushing more beggars into Johnston, especially in the Cleveland and McGee's Crossroads communities.
Last week, some residents urged Johnston commissioners to approve limits.
"It's just gotten way out of hand," said Marlene Hill, executive director of the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.
Hill said some panhandlers knock on drivers' windows as cars stop at red lights near the interchange of Interstate 40 and N.C. 42.
"It's getting ridiculous," said Danny Thompson, who lives in McGee's Crossroads. "These people are coming from everywhere."
The proposed ordinance would ban panhandling between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., within 100 feet of banks or money machines and within 20 feet of open businesses.
The rules would also prohibit panhandlers from touching people without consent, making threats and using foul language.
Criminal record check
As for a permit, a panhandler would be denied if he or she has been convicted of a violent crime or some other offenses. Panhandlers who break the rules could be charged with a misdemeanor.
Johnston Board of Commissioners' Chairman Allen Mims said requiring panhandlers to get a permit would help law enforcement "know who's out there."
"It gives you some ways to try to deal with it," agreed Commissioner DeVan Barbour. "Because currently, there's nothing we can do at all."
Under the proposed rules, fire departments and nonprofit groups that ask for money along roadways would also have to apply for a permit. Groups such as the Salvation Army that collect money in front of stores wouldn't have to get a permit, since they solicit on private property.
County Attorney David Mills said charging a fee for permits could be challenged in court, and the legal system could interpret the rule as the county targeting beggars.
'A legitimate cause'
Amelia Pleasant, who owns Pleasant Realty Associates in Cleveland, said she thought it was fair for the county to charge for permits.
"If it's a legitimate cause, they're going to raise money to cover the cost of the permit and then some," Pleasant said.
Even with rules in place, Commissioner Tony Braswell said the county would not go out looking for panhandlers.
"We're not going to have any panhandling police out there besides what the sheriff's office does in routine," he said.
Stewart said he wasn't in favor of an ordinance because he thought it would suggest that local government was condoning panhandling.
But Mims said he understands that people are struggling. "I'd much rather people be out collecting $5 than stealing my lawnmower at night," he said.
