The Cortez City Council is looking into ways to curtail the graffiti problem in the community, but conceded it will not be easy.
City Manager Shane Hale said it takes less than a few minutes to deface a wall, sign or building, which makes it very difficult to catch the vandal.
It happens so quick, Hale said. We are not catching them. The police department has a few kids we are chasing down.
Offering rewards to turn in culprits was part of the discussion.
We havent offered a reward, but we could, Hale said.
Hale said Cortez Police have pursued a few leads for recent graffiti incidents in the downtown area.
He also said there have been conversations with business owners about removing the graffiti from their property as soon as it happens.
Hale said the issue became more crucial after several downtown-area buildings were recently tagged, saying that is why the issue was brought before the council at its Oct. 9 workshop session.
Investigators believe all of the graffiti on the buildings were done by the same individual because of the similar type of style.
Hale said he believes that community service to remove graffiti and a fine is adequate punishment for a first-time offender.
He said the penalty or punishment for repeat offenders should be elevated.
michaelm@cortezjournal.com