Two residents of Lake Chaparral pressed the Linn County Commission on Monday for more consistent enforcement of sanitation and building codes and for better follow-through from the county attorney’s office.

Dean Norton, speaking for the Lake Chaparral board of directors, said Lake Chaparral contains more than 1,500 properties and contributes significantly to the county tax base but is treated “as an afterthought.” He told commissioners that code enforcement has been inconsistent, staff turnover and leadership changes have interrupted continuity, and problems such as illegal black‑water dumping, unpermitted structures and campers used as year‑round residences are growing. Norton said the community has experienced multiple safety incidents in recent years — burned campers, a freezing death, a severe burn injury and drownings — and he linked those incidents to gaps in enforcement and follow‑through.

“We consistently hear from our property owners,” Norton said, asking for regular structured communication such as quarterly coordination meetings so the county and the lake communities can avoid confusion and ensure progress.

Kate Brenner, speaking on behalf of herself and many Lake Chaparral property owners, echoed Norton’s concerns. She thanked the Linn County Sheriff’s Department for being responsive but said cases frequently stall once they reach the county attorney’s office, allowing repeat offenders to return and creating a perception of no consequences. “We are doing our part, cleaning up properties, enforcing bylaws and covenants, cooperating with the sheriff’s department,” Brenner said. “We simply ask the county to do its part as well.”

Commissioners responded by noting limits to their authority over the county attorney’s prosecutorial decisions. Speaker 2 said the commission cannot “force” the county attorney’s office to pursue charges but proposed staff coordination meetings between county departments and Lake Chaparral representatives. Commissioner remarks also emphasized competing countywide priorities for road and mowing schedules; Public Works staff said their crews are overloaded and would need to evaluate requests against other county needs.

Public Works (Jesse Walton) told the commission the department could consider a one‑time mowing or targeted clearing to help the lake community but asked for time to coordinate and offered to revisit the request after reviewing crews’ availability. Commissioners asked staff to follow up and to return to the commission with a recommendation in the coming weeks.

Why it matters: Lake Chaparral residents linked public‑safety incidents to what they described as uneven enforcement and slow prosecutorial follow‑through. Their request for recurring, structured coordination could require cross‑departmental staff time and clearer assignment of responsibilities between enforcement, prosecution and maintenance services.

What’s next: Commissioners asked that staff and Planning & Zoning coordinate with the Lake Chaparral POA and report back; Speaker 9 (IT) and Speaker 12 (Planning & Zoning) were directed to help identify contacts and schedule follow‑ups where appropriate.