Company to update pre-1988 ordinances
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

The city of El Campo will soon be updating its ordinances ranging from restrictions on junk vehicles to policies outlining fines for destruction of property.

City Council approved a $12,015 contract with Municipal Code Corporation during Monday's meeting.

"The last update of the code of ordinances was in 1988," City Manager John Steelman told Council.

And while those approved after 1999 have already been updated, he said, that still leaves hundreds needing to be addressed.

"We started an in-house project some six years ago of scanning our material and preparing to consolidate the material into our own format," Steelman said, but added the project was set aside when the staff member in charge of it became ill.

Councilman Anthony Collins spoke in support of the contract saying, "it's a lot cheaper than hiring a person."

Councilwoman Gloria Harris added her support saying the city codes need to be uniform.

"This is a matter of importance that we need to consider," Steelman said, adding the process will likely take two years to complete.

"I think we need to move forward on this," Harris said, making motion to accept the contract.

Councilman Robert Boone offered the second and the motion was approved 6-0 with current full board voting.

MCC has worked with more than 3,500 governmental codes in more than 55 years.