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Neighborhood services seeks accreditation, body cameras for code officers and vehicles for Clean & Safe
Summary
Neighborhood & Community Services reported program accomplishments (20 housing rehabs, $485,000 in revenue from enforcement and permitting) and requested modest budget increases—about 6% overall—to support accreditation, body‑worn cameras for code officers under new state law expectations, radios, vehicles for Clean & Safe, and training/CEUs for staff.
Neighborhood & Community Services Director Prior presented the department's FY2026–27 priorities and budget requests at the May 5 workshop, describing operational improvements, service metrics and modest funding needs to support accreditation and equipment.
Director Prior said the department includes five divisions—administration, operations, Clean & Safe, code enforcement and sanitation—and reported that code enforcement now operates seven days a week with extended hours during sea turtle season. She said staff completed 20 housing rehab projects and that the city generated about $485,000 in combined enforcement and permitting revenue last year.
Prior said state changes affecting code enforcement prompted part of the request: she cited state action to align code enforcement with police in chapter 162 and related public‑records rules in chapter 119, and said the department plans to "piggyback" on the police camera contract to equip code officers. "Part of that is sending people to classes, getting their certifications, keeping the certifications because now they're certified," Prior said, describing training and CEU needs tied to accreditation goals.
The department requested funding for vehicles and fleet support for Clean & Safe, replacement radios for officers, body‑worn cameras for code enforcement, and continued investment in EPL electronic permitting systems that have improved service delivery. Director Prior characterized the overall request as a roughly 6% increase over last year and said staff would follow up with commissioners on details.
No formal votes were taken; the presentation was informational and will feed into upcoming budget hearings.
