They are changing who actually issues the citation to those people who don't comply with the ordinance.

Deschutes County Forester Ed Keith explains the change to county commissioners at their meeting this week,

"We originally had the weed inspector take the complaint all the way to enforcement.  That department still takes the initial complaint, but when the residents don't comply and don't look like they're going to comply, then it's turned over to the Sheriff's Office."

The maximum fine would be two thousand dollars for residents who refuse to remove harmful weeds from their property.

The commissioners are schedueld to make final approval of the weed ordinance in early April.  It would take effect in early July.