City of Dierks starts enforcing cleanup ordinance

The city of Dierks is beginning to enforce the town’s cleanup ordinance that was passed by the city council in June.   Police Chief John McKee said his department started visiting yesterday with residents whose property is in violation of the ordinance.  When officers make their initial contact, they provide a copy of the ordinance to residents, with instructions that the property needs to be cleaned up.  Property owners then have ten days to begin making significant progress on the cleanup.  Persons found to be in violation of the cleanup ordinance can be assessed a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000 dollars.  Chief McKee said the goal of the ordinance is not to issue fines, but to improve how neighborhoods look in the town.

Residents who have debris that needs to be hauled from their property can take it to a dumpster at the city shop.  Limbs may also be hauled to a burn site at the city park.  Mayor Ronnie Cogburn said the city will also come haul the items away, if residents will place them curbside and contact city hall.