SWEETWATER-TheSweetwater City Commission on Monday night passed the first reading of an ordinance that will establish an administrative law judge.

City officials believe an administrative law judge could provide better enforcement of city codes, especially when it comes to keeping properties clean.

"It gives us a lot more bite," City Planning and Codes Enforcement Officer Scott Wilson said.

Mayor Doyle Lowe said Tuesday he also believes having an administrative law judge to handle code violations will help Sweetwater because the new judge can levy up to $500 fines instead of the current $50 limit. Lowe said people often just paid the small fine and went on.

"A lot of times it's easier to pay the $50 fine than to clean up the property," he said.

See full story in the Sunday, Feb. 10, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.