The City of Mount Vernon’s leadership has recently been focusing on increasing code compliance, as citizens and other property owners have voiced concerns about the needed clean-up and maintenance efforts. The city has filled its vacant Code Enforcement Officer position with the hiring of Rodney Caudle on a part-time basis.
Caudle began studying local codes and city requirements in that position on Thursday, July 2. He is no stranger to both large and small city regulations through his full-time work as a firefighter and certified emergency medical technician.
With more than 20 years of experience, Caudle has seen both sides of code issues. He served on the fire departments in Sulphur Springs, Commerce, and Rockwall, where he has been full-time for the past 11.5 years. For the last four years, he has served as Station Captain.
Caudle is a native of Hopkins County and graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1992. He earned an associate degree in Fire Science and EMT certification from Paris Junior College around 2014.
Continuing his training through Columbia Southern University, Caudle earned a BS degree in Fire Service Administration as well as certification in fire and arson investigation in 2024. His MS degree in Fire Executive Leadership and Emergency Management was completed there in 2026.
His rotating schedule with the full-time job will allow him ample time to address the needs of the City of Mount Vernon and work with property owners to meet code requirements. “Right now we are working toward addressing the dozen or so complaints that have been filed with the city for existing violations,” said Caudle.
Caudle and his wife of 31 years, Jennifer, live in Sulphur Springs. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.
The City of Mount Vernon has a Code of Ordinances, which includes all the regulations governing the city. Property maintenance is an essential component for providing the safety of citizens and visitors alike. The section of codes dealing with property maintenance is just one such example.
Code Enforcement includes but is not limited to: high grass and weeds, junk and abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, accumulation of rubbish and/or trash on property, and the need for the removal of dangerous and/or sub-standard buildings. Complaints of non-compliance may be made to the department by filling out a form at City Hall or online.
