Earlier this year, MVNow's Lillie Bush-Reeves introduced readers to Mount Vernon's new Code Enforcement Officer, Rodney Caudle, shortly after he began serving the city. Last week, I spoke with Caudle to learn how his work has progressed and to better understand the approach he hopes to bring to code enforcement in Mount Vernon.
By the time many people hear the words "code enforcement," they may picture citations, fines, or a knock at the door. But after speaking with Caudle, it became clear that those are not the outcomes he hopes for.
Instead, Caudle says his primary goal is to help residents understand the city's ordinances, work alongside property owners, and encourage voluntary compliance before problems ever require enforcement.
"Ideally, all we're looking for is compliance," Caudle said during our conversation. "We want to make Mount Vernon a very nice, attractive community for people looking to move into the area."
Since beginning his role, Caudle has been working through existing complaints submitted to the city while also getting acquainted with neighborhoods and residents. Although many code enforcement cases begin with citizen complaints, he hopes the city's approach will become increasingly proactive through education and communication.
"We're trying to get a little ahead of the ball game," he said. "Just kind of get things nipped in the bud before they become a problem."
Much of the work involves issues that affect both neighborhood appearance and public health, including overgrown grass and vegetation, accumulated rubbish, brush and tree limbs, and other property maintenance concerns addressed in the City's Code of Ordinances.
Caudle believes many residents who receive a visit from code enforcement are not intentionally violating city ordinances. In many cases, they simply aren't aware of the requirements.
"A lot of it is people just don't know," he said. "They've had their property that way for a long time, and they may not realize there's an ordinance that addresses it."
That perspective shapes how he approaches each conversation.
"We know Rome wasn't built in a day," Caudle said. "It takes a little time to get things cleaned up and straightened up. As long as people are willing to work with us, we're willing to work with them."
Because of that, he says citations are intended to be a last resort rather than the first response.
"The last thing we want to do is start issuing citations," he said. "Hopefully it's just getting out, talking with people, and helping them understand what we're looking for."
Caudle also encourages residents to become familiar with the City's Code of Ordinances, which is available through the City of Mount Vernon's website. The online resource allows residents to search a wide range of local ordinances, including topics related to property maintenance, health and sanitation, building regulations, zoning and other municipal requirements.
He hopes that making those resources more visible will help answer questions before they become problems.
Looking ahead, Caudle said education will remain one of the most important parts of his role. As the seasons change, different property maintenance issues naturally become more common, making communication with residents an important tool for keeping neighborhoods safe, clean, and attractive.
MVNow plans to periodically share seasonal reminders and educational information to help residents better understand city ordinances and the role they play in preserving the quality of life throughout the community.
Residents with questions about code enforcement or city ordinances may contact Mount Vernon City Hall at 903-537-2252, where staff can direct them to Caudle or provide additional information. The City's Code of Ordinances is also available on the City of Mount Vernon's website.
