Tubers renting from local outfitters will have to leave their coolers at home as part of changes to the proposed ordinance.
“We’re banning coolers because the alcohol problem has just gotten out of hand,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris.
Alcohol was already prohibited, but was still making its way onto the rivers in the coolers of tubers.
A 32-ounce bottle of water or nonalcoholic drink will be allowed for hydration purposes.
In response to problems at the takeout area owned by the county, a deputy will be stationed there on Saturdays and Sundays.
Paris said he thought the majority of problems stemmed from alcohol use. He hoped by banning coolers and adding the deputy, most problems with tubers would be eliminated.
Among other changes, wristbands will not be used to identify tubers renting from local outfitters,. Instead, each outfitter will purchase a stamp and waterproof ink pads from the county to mark tubers. Each company will be issued a separate color.
Outfitters will be required to post signs with rules and regulations of the river.
Also, the loading area at the takeout point will be reconfigured with a designated waiting area for tubers once they are out of the river. A direction of loading and unloading, with areas designated off limits to allow local residents to get in and out of their driveways, will be set up.
“We will expect the outfitters to abide by what we come up with there,” Paris said. “We’re taking measures to protect the access of the homeowners in the area.”
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson has gone on record several times against removing the wristband requirement.
“I am still a fan of the wristband,” she said at the Feb. 11 meeting discussion about the ordinance. “I think we need to do a better job to make sure our ordinance is followed.”
First reading of the proposed changes to the ordinance is set for the board’s meeting March 11.