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Residents press county to act as Clarksburg rat infestation persists; county says health department will begin eradication
Summary
Clarksburg residents told commissioners on Jan. 5 that the rat problem remains unresolved since October; county staff said Marion County Health Department will begin aggressive eradication the week of the meeting and that the county will follow up with cleanup and blight-enforcement options if property owners do not act.
Residents from Clarksburg urged Peter County officials on Jan. 5 to step up after persistent rodent problems that residents say began months ago.
"So far, nothing visibly has been done about it," said George Martin of Clarksburg during public comment, recounting prior meetings in October and asking for follow-up. Martin told the commission he had observed continued trash and conditions near the Clarksburg Park that he believes are contributing to the infestation and said neighbors had experienced rats entering homes.
County staff and commissioners described coordination with the Marion County Health Department. Staff reported the health department planned an eradication effort the week of the Jan. 5 meeting and that personal protective equipment, snap traps and similar supplies were being distributed through local outlets. Officials also said a roll-off dumpster might be staged for 30 days to help residents remove debris, while noting concerns about setting a cleanup precedent.
Commissioners said the county’s blight program and enforcement powers can be used if property owners fail to clean up; staff said planning staff would coordinate with the Board of Health and follow with enforcement or remediation when necessary. The commission asked staff to follow up and report progress to commissioners.
Next steps: Board of Health staff to begin eradication efforts immediately; planning and parks staff to coordinate follow-up and consider blight-program actions if voluntary cleanup does not happen.
