The report was approved by Chatham-Kent Council on Monday night, with Councillor Anthony Ceccacci suggesting a bylaw department review to find efficiencies.
Ceccacci believes centralizing the bylaw department could lead to more efficiencies and save the $125,000 annual salary of a new bylaw enforcement officer.
The vote was 14-0.
Hiring a new bylaw officer will be subject to budget deliberations.
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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) wants to crack down on those who repeatedly break municipal bylaws.
CK's council will decide on Monday whether to accept a staff recommendation asking to bring forward a business case to add another bylaw enforcement officer to improve the enforcement of municipal bylaws.
The municipality wants to get tougher on repeat offenders due to concerns raised by the public and issues arising in the community around garbage disposal, derelict vehicles, and property standards such as long grass and unsightly weeds.
A staff report also suggests stiffer fines could better deal with repeat offenders.
"[The] focus should remain on enhancing proactive bylaw follow-ups and enforcement response. Further enforcement steps normally result in improvements to compliance without the need for fines," read the report.
If approved, the extra bylaw enforcement officer would cost approximately $125,000. One-time costs would include a vehicle purchase and a computer purchase for approximately $53,000.
Municipal staff said it's likely that increased revenues will offset some of these costs.