The Greene County Commission's Debris Committee on Wednesday discussed the need to prevent repeated violations of the debris ordinance.

Some property-owners are paying the county to clean their sites multiple times, according to Leon Bird, building commissioner, who said he prefers to close the cases.

"Were going to have to get some teeth in it," Bird said of the debris ordnance.

Committee members agreed, saying the sites of the repeated violations are county eyesores.

Bird described one property as "a nasty mess."

The board did not take any action in the absence of County Attorney Roger Woolsey, who was in court.

Besides getting Woolsey's opinion on any possible changes to the ordinance, County Mayor Alan Broyles said he would seek information from the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS).

Committee Member Margaret Greenway said one option could be increasing the county's charge for cleaning the properties.

Bird noted that the county recently added six new cases of debris ordinance violators.

"I'd like to work with these people if they'll work with me," Bird said.

He added approximately 1,000 debris cases in Greene County have resulted in cleanups with the properties then staying clean.

The next Debris Committee meeting was scheduled at 2 p.m. April 12.