The City of Clinton has come under fire from residents both at City Council meetings and on social media for its efforts to clean up the City through code enforcement.

While it has been a long-running effort, Tony Harris - Clinton City Administrator - indicates the very first thing he was charged with was code enforcement. While many have been voicing opposition to it, Harris indicates he is often queried about why property neglect is allowed to carry on.

A trio of ordinance modifications recently caught the ire of individuals regarding the care of feral animals. Harris indicates he has heard from both sides on the issue, and for many, feral animals are a nuisance to their property.

While he gets complaints regarding feral animals regularly, what he gets more regularly is complaints from neighbors regarding properties that are not well-kept.

Another issue that has garnered more attention online than in City Council forums is a graffiti ordinance update. While some have argued the police will be coming for kids and sidewalk chalk, Harris says people need to use common sense, pointing out this is largely for vandalism. 

Last week, the City Council heard nearly an hour of testimony from residents defending their right to do with their property what they want, but Harris reminds residents also have neighbors who have to deal with the decisions of how you want to live on your property.

None of the proposed ordinances were voted on at last week's Council meeting and Harris stresses they continue to be a work in progress.