Marysville takes graffiti reports on Web
Published 10:48 pm Tuesday, January 13, 2009
MARYSVILLE — Graffiti doesn’t last long in Marysville, thanks to an online form that allows people to anonymously report gang tagging and other vandalism.
The online form, available on the city’s Web site, provides information immediately to city code enforcement officers. Property owners have 48 hours to scrub off or paint over graffiti after it appears, under city law.
“When we get the information online, we contact the homeowner,” said Paul Rochon, a code enforcement officer.
Homeowners can take care of the mess themselves, or request city crews to paint over it. The city doesn’t charge homeowners for the service, Rochon said.
The online form has been available to Marysville residents for more than a year, he said. The city code requiring homeowners to take care of graffiti has been in place for about two years. Reports of graffiti went up significantly when the online form was created, Rochon said. Now, more people than ever are using the form to help keep the city clean.
“It’s a constant battle,” Rochon said. “We go through streaks of it, but we seem to be keeping a pretty good handle on it.”
To report graffiti online, go to www.ci.marysville.wa.us.
Reporter Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422 or kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
