Residents raise rat-infestation and blight concerns; county coordinates with Health Department

Residents from the Clarksburg area pressed county officials about a growing rodent problem near park and playground areas during public comment. George Ford described ongoing vandalism and a rat problem; county staff confirmed contact with the Marion County Health Department and said PPE and physical traps were being distributed to affected residents.

County staff said the health department had indicated it would begin "aggressive eradication" in January and that the health department's rodent-control team would limit control actions until properties were cleaned up. The county and the Area Plan Commission (APC) described using the county's blight program and coordination with township or town ownership where needed; staff emphasized the blight program can be applied to property cleanup even if the county does not own the land.

Resident Raven Miller asked for verification of property ownership and whether the blight program covered town- or township-owned parcels; staff reiterated the program's scope and pledged follow-up. Commissioners said they would follow up with Sean (public-health contact) and APC staff to confirm the schedule and next steps.

Direct quotes from the meeting include residents and staff describing the health-department timeline: "they plan on beginning aggressive eradication the January," and staff noting PPE distribution "through the Clarksburg post office in Robins grocery." Staff asked residents to expect follow-up within about a week on operational progress.

What happens next County staff said they will follow up with Sean and Marion County Health Department to confirm eradication work and timeline and will coordinate APC and blight-program activities to address cleanup. No formal county action was recorded at the meeting; the board directed staff to pursue follow-up and keep the issue on the front burner.