Council debates paying for code enforcement as STR debate continues

Councilors spent substantial time discussing enforcement capacity and funding tied to the city's STR program. The mayor summarized the current fee model: a $500 nonrefundable application designed to cover staff review and a $1,000 annual fee plus a 5% room tax on rentals; the mayor said the program was intended to fund a part‑time code enforcement position. "We changed the fee structure substantially to cover a code enforcement officer... it will pay its way up to that 35 residents," the mayor said.

Councilor Rich and others warned that eliminating STR permits without a funded enforcement mechanism could push rentals "underground," leaving neighbors with fewer avenues for remedy. Councilors discussed budgeting options, including dedicating a portion of room‑tax revenue to enforcement, hiring additional part‑time shifts for code enforcement and exploring fines to fund staffing. The council did not adopt a budget action at the meeting but asked staff to include enforcement funding scenarios in follow‑up work.