In light of public concerns about half-way houses and rehab centers, Smithville leadership has reached out to the man who operates some of the facility, hoping for answers.

“Halfway houses has become an issue of safety with some citizens,” said Smithville Mayor Josh Miller during Monday night’s city council meeting, noting he has spoken to the city planner and city attorney and cannot find anything to prevent the residences as long as they fall within the state law. “However, when citizens want answers, I think it is the obligation of the board and myself to get those answers.”

As such, the mayor said he contacted the facility owner, Tom Vickers, who agreed to appear at the next board meeting on Feb. 4 to answer concerns. The facilities include three Omega houses, one for women and two for men located on College and Short Mountain Roads and the Sober Living Services located on West Market. Half-way houses are step down houses where the residents are being readied to return to society after spending time in prison. Rehab and treatment centers seek to help those with addiction problems to become productive citizens.

City Attorney Vester Parsley said the facilities are operating within the law. “I did quite a bit of research. State law provides that they (halfway houses) cannot be zoned out by ordinance having these facilities. Basically if they want to have one here we can’t stop them as long as they comply with all the state laws which supersede our laws.”

Some of the concerns have been raised because the residents of the facilities can often be seen walking the streets around the facility. However, it was pointed out many of them are simply walking to and from work. Vickers has told the city he will try to get a bus or transport to take the residents to their jobs.

Alderman Gayla Hendrix, who works as an attorney, stood up for the Sober Living Program. “I work in the judicial system and I know a lot of people don’t understand but these folks who come here and get accepted into that program are trying to better themselves,” she told the board. “They may have made some mistakes in the past but they are trying to improve their lives and a lot of our citizens in their shoes have to go to other counties and reside in these type of homes to get themselves in a better situation.”