Both the City of Ocala and Marion County are looking at a proposed new set of laws to curb copper thieves from cashing in.
The City Council discussed the proposed changes Tuesday evening. The County held a public hearing the same morning.
The new laws would require recyclers to do the following:
- Eliminate cash transactions, paying out only by check or credit
- Require proof of ownership, like a receipt
- Keep electronic record of the seller's identification and transaction to submit daily to local authorities
Trademark Metals, locally known as Ocala Recycling is the largest scrap metal recycler in the County. They were they only such business to step up to the microphone during the public hearing.
Commissioners decided to table the ordinance until the next meeting. Without their approval of the ordinance, the City may do the same. Commissioners needed extra time to make some changes, such as amending the requirement to submit daily records to local authorities, and the restriction of cash pay-outs to legitimate businesses.
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the number of copper thefts has jumped in the County by 200%- from 54 in 2009 to 217 in 2010. To date this year, there have been 95 copper thefts in the County.