Three positions with Code Enforcement, to be known as Neighborhood Services Officers, or NSOs, which will replace the terms code enforcement and investigators, will be filled starting in 2027, bringing total staff to six, according to Assistant City Manager Tray Towles (pronounced tolls), who explained the reason and need to Bartow City Commissioners at the Sept. 15 regular meeting.
The overriding purpose, he said, was not to come down as a “hammer” on those not in compliance, but to develop quasi-partnerships.
“When I came here going out four years ago this January, after becoming more acquainted with the community, I realized that some of the conditions in our neighborhoods need to be improved,” said Towles. “So we developed a strategy that we’re looking for cooperation and relationship building versus seeking compliance first.”…