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Council formalizes code‑enforcement officer role; ordinance passes 5–2
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance creating a formal code‑enforcement officer appointment by the town manager and clarifying citation processes; supporters said it frees police to focus on core duties while opponents raised civil‑liberty and enforcement concerns.
Staff presented an ordinance formalizing the code‑enforcement officer role, setting appointment by the town manager, certification requirements under Texas occupations code and procedures for notice and citation. The town attorney explained the difference between notices of violation and citations and said formalizing the ordinance avoids tying up police officers for code tasks. "There's no ordinance spelling it out... this just formalizes it," the attorney said during the presentation.
Council debated the measure and adopted the ordinance on a 5–2 vote. Supporters said it clarifies duties and procedure and frees police to focus on primary law enforcement and traffic duties; critics expressed concern about giving enforcement authority and recommended safeguards. Council directed staff to implement the ordinance consistent with state certification requirements.
