City approves new code officer position

The City of Clarendon will have a new code compliance officer under the budget approved by the Board of Aldermen last Tuesday.

City Administrator Lambert Little said Jason Christopher will fill the new position, which will also be responsible for animal control in the city.

“We’re going to move slowly and methodically on ordinance violations,” Little told the Enterprise this week. “We’ll start with simple things – tall grass and weeds – and then move to derelict and abandoned vehicles.”

Little said he intends to use a “soft touch” when enforcing ordinances by first asking people to comply when a violation is found, and then if nothing happens, issue a Notice of Violation through the municipal court.

“I think this is going to improve the aesthetics of the community and may generate good will over time.”

In other city business last week, the board voted unanimously to amend the FY 2011 budget and to set tax rate for FY 2012 at $0.65 per $100 valuation, which is no change in the rate. The board also voted 4-1 to approve the FY 2012 budget with Alderman Tommy Hill voting against the measure.

The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation budget for fiscal year 2012 was approved as presented by the CEDC Board, and the aldermen also voted to reappoint Stephen Hall, Terri Floyd, and Sherol Johnston to the CEDC Board.

Aldermen approved a letter of engagement with Foster & Lambert, LLC, to perform the 2010-2011 audit and took no action on bids for health benefits for city employees.