Smokers working at or visiting Butler County buildings question the trend now affecting the county facilities — outdoor smoking bans.

The county commissioners last week approved a smoking ban for all county-operated property to take effect in January.

The ban affects the government center, the Sunnyview complex in Butler Township and district judge offices. It does not apply to Diamond and Alameda parks.

Two sisters smoking outside the government center on Diamond Street on Thursday asked what all the fuss was about.

"I think it's ridiculous," said Monica Schall of Ford City about the expanded ban. "We're not disturbing anyone."

Samantha Schall of Kittanning Township agreed, saying she understands indoor bans but not outdoor ones.

Monica Schall said smoking is permitted in at least one Armstrong County building, where even that county's commissioners smoke in a stairwell.

"I guess it depends on your commissioners," she said.

Samantha Schall has a solution for disgruntled smokers.

"Elect a smoker," she joked.

Butler County Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser isn't just in the minority politically as the lone Democrat on the board — he's the only smoker.

Lokhaiser didn't oppose the vote, but he did abstain.

County employees already are planning on changing their routine to deal with the new ban next year.

Since the expanded ban was enacted by resolution, there are no enforcement provisions.

However, the county could discipline employees violating the ban.

Ed Rupert, county director of property and revenue and a longtime smoker, has a new locale in mind to indulge his habit.

"I'll just walk to my parking spot," he said.

Unlike some county officials, Rupert uses public parking.

While the county's insurer, Highmark, offers smoking cessation classes, it may not help everyone.

Rupert quit a couple of years ago, but eventually resumed.

"I just enjoy it too much," he said.

While not upset by the new ban, Rupert doesn't view outdoor smoking as a pressing issue.

"I just don't see it as earth-shattering," he said.

Lokhaiser expressed the same sentiment during last week's commissioners meetings Monday and Wednesday.

Joyce Myers in the county veterans services office, who also smokes, agreed.

"I think there are more important things going on they can focus on," she said.

Unlike other county offices, veterans services has only two employees. Myers said it will be difficult to squeeze out smoking breaks.

"Where are we supposed to go?" she asked.

Myers questioned this trend of government to heavily regulate smoking.

"I guess I'm a little insulted," she said.

Although Myers appreciates the county's concern for her welfare, she said it's her prerogative to smoke.

Another county employee who didn't want her name used said the ban doesn't bother her even though she smokes.

While other county employees questioned the need for outdoor smoking bans, they also didn't want to go on record.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman and supporter of the expanded ban, said he understands some people feel the ban is too restrictive.

"We'll make it as easy as we can," he said about pending transition.

County solicitor Julie Graham said the ban may be tweaked before January to take into account areas such as the Sunnyview complex where all of the property is county-owned.

The expanded smoking ban affects district judge offices. Graham said in most cases, smokers just have to get to a public sidewalk.

The county rents office space for five of the seven district courts.

The city and Butler Township district judge offices are on county land.

Terri Beacon, administrative assistant to city District Judge Pete Shaffer, said her building's entrance isn't visible to the office, so she isn't sure how many people usually smoke outside the door.

Beacon doesn't anticipate any problems, though, as most people don't have much waiting time for either hearings or citation payments.

She said the staff members who smoke go to the rear of the building for breaks, so the public isn't affected now by their puffs.

Sue Paul from the township office of District Judge Kevin O'Donnell also can't see the entrance to her building.

While Paul doesn't know how the new ban will affect nonemployees, she said the staff won't have any beefs with it — none of them smoke.