by ALANA LINDEROTH

Sequim Gazette

Making one of her first changes within the county’s Department of Community Development, newly elected DCD Director Mary Ellen Winborn pitched to the county commissioners her recommendation to move the county’s code enforcement officer from the sheriff’s office to the DCD.

Additionally, Winborn recommended the two part-time code enforcement officer positions be consolidated into one full-time position. Although the county budget allows for two part-time positions, for months only one of those positions has been filled and that officer is moving in March.

“Some of the problems are very complex and need a more comprehensive approach and if we have a full-time officer, we can actually take a proactive approach,” Winborn said. “Voluntary compliance is the goal.”

Although the code enforcement field officer can get quick results via issuing citations, Winborn said that isn’t often a longterm solution to the problem, whether it be septic issues, a surplus of junk vehicles or overall degradation of a neighborhood.

“The whole idea is to enforce, but also get neighborhoods involved,” Winborn said. “Usually where there’s one problem there are more and we need to be able to look at the core of the problem.”

The position would equate to a $47,845 salary, including benefits. Utilizing a grant from Washington State Department of Ecology through the county’s Environmental Health Services, Winborn said the position falls about $11,000 short.

After further discussion at the commissioners’ work session Feb. 2, Commissioner Jim McEntire said that county officials could find one-time funds to support Winborn’s recommendation, but would need to secure more permanent funds in the future.

Commissioner Mike Chapman expressed concern with a possible lack of authority if the position is moved to the DCD, but Sheriff Bill Benedict admits the program has been “ineffective and there have been complaints.”

“There’s no arguing between me and Mary Ellen and and we’ll continue to work together,” he said.

To maintain a certain level of authority, Winborn agreed to hire someone with law enforcement experience and have Benedict help with the interview and hiring process.

Historically, code enforcement was a DCD program, but four years ago the position was moved to the sheriff’s office. In addition to at least one full-time officer, the program once had a strong group of volunteers to help.

After the department switch, the volunteers dispersed, but Winborn seeks to revive the community involvement.

“If I was going to run for this office, I’d need to know I could make a positive impact to this community,” Winborn said. “We have to show people coming to this area that we care about this place.”

Reach Alana Linderoth at alinderoth@sequimgazette.com.