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Marshal

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1. Why can’t I file a complaint anonymously?

We do not accept anonymous complaints for several reasons: 

• Not accepting anonymous complaints reduces the instances where people try to anonymously harass (sometimes repeatedly) an ex-friend, neighbor, or relative. 


• Having a named complainant helps add validity to the complaint and allows the officers to contact someone if further information is needed on follow-up. It also identifies a third-party witness available for court to testify directly to the judge about the violation(s) they witnessed and the impact. 


• Not accepting anonymous complaints allows us to contact the complainant to let them know the progress of the case. Otherwise, weeks may go by and the complainant may believe that nothing is being done, even though the officers have already taken some action. 


• Not accepting anonymous complaints allows us to contact complainants in instances where no violation(s) are found so that we can explain an ordinance to the complainant and explain why what they thought was a violation was actually not a violation.

2. Why does a violator usually get time to correct an ordinance violation before a citation is issued?

One of our goals is to ensure compliance with county ordinances. Giving a violator a reasonable amount of time to correct a violation before a citation is given allows the violator sufficient time to correct most violations.

It also demonstrates to a judge, if a citation is issued, that the violator had the ordinance explained to them and was afforded sufficient opportunity to correct the violation, even if they were not initially aware they were violating a county ordinance. Repeat offenders are typically issued a citation immediately.

3. What can I do about a property that has tall grass, a junk vehicle, or litter on the property?

You can make a formal complaint to the Marshal Bureau by completing a complaint form. An officer will check the property for possible ordinance violations. The tall grass ordinance applies to all properties and lots that are within a platted subdivision. The grass must exceed 24" in height.