ARLINGTON – The city is looking to hire new code enforcement and patrol officers, along with a social worker.

Code enforcement will help keep neighborhoods more livable, while the other two positions will help the city focus on the opioid epidemic.

Mayor Barb Tolbert and staff met with the Arlington City Council to review proposed modifications to the 2018 city budget Oct. 7. The city adopted a two-year budget cycle in December 2016 to cover 2017-18. As a result, the city will only be amending the current year’s budget and making modifications for 2018. The city will hold a public hearing on the 2018 budget Nov. 6.

The growth in sales tax revenue and new businesses will allow the city to add the three positions. The modifications align with the council’s priority on public safety and address issues of opioid-related crimes, homeless camp growth in Smokey Point and code compliance.

The city intends to hire a code enforcement officer. The position will enhance the city’s efforts for public health, neighborhood safety and enhancing curb appeal.

The city also is hiring an officer. The position will help build the team between Arlington, Marysville and Snohomish County and partner with an embedded social worker to address the opioid epidemic. The budget modifications also include a social worker to partner with police to address opiate-related crimes and homelessness.