Code Enforcement Officer warns against sign display

Trumann Code Enforcement Officer Gary Anderson is warning residents not to attach garage sale signs and other notices to utility poles and street signs in the city.

Attaching notices to poles and signs in the Trumann city limits is against state law and that fines can be levied for the offense.

"According to state law, it is illegal to post these notices on utility poles and street signs," he said. "The city is required to enforce this law."

Anderson said he has noticed a lot of these signs recently and plans to begin cracking down on violator.

Arkansas state law 5-67-103 states: (a)(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association to nail, staple, or otherwise attach or cause to be nailed, stapled, or otherwise attached any sign, poster, or billboard to any public utility pole or to any living tree, shrub, or other plant located upon the rights-of-way of any public road, highway, or street in this state.

The city has placed a billboard on the grounds of the Old Community House for the public to post signs and notices.

"Residents of Trumann should post their signs on the billboard instead of on utility poles and street signs," Anderson said. "Those people who are looking for the location of garage sales should check the bulletin board."

The only exception to his law is for warnings, safety warnings or identification signs attached to public utility poles by utility companies or cooperatives.

Anyone convicted of posting illegal signs can be fined up to $500. Each day that the sign remains constitutes a separate offense of the law, Anderson said.

"Trumann residents should know that we will be writing tickets," Anderson said.