Jenna Massie is the newest member of the Cole County Health Department’s environmental and code enforcement office.

A native of Jefferson City, this is Massie’s first job since graduating from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

As an environmental public health specialist, Massie is involved with inspections and permitting for on-site wastewater treatment systems, child care facilities and lodging facilities.

Massie is one of four inspectors working for the Health Department.

“I had an internship while I was in school, and I had done different inspection processes and I found that interesting,” she said. “I like being out and about and trying to help people figure out a solution to a problem.”

When a code enforcement officer is looking at a possible violation, it must fit into one of two categories. A public health hazard is when a property owner has provided a habitat where insects or animals have moved in and potentially transmitted a disease or threaten to transmit a disease. A public health nuisance is basically providing habitat, but the insects or animals that could transmit disease haven’t moved in.

If a violation has been determined, a notice is sent to the property owner, who usually has 30 days to fix it. If the property owner does not come into compliance, a hearing is held before the County Commission. If the commission finds a violation, abatement is ordered and a private contractor is hired. The bill is submitted to the county Health Department, which pays it, then a bill, plus a $100 administration fee, is sent to the property owner, which is due 30 days after the work is done. If it’s not paid, a $50 late fee is charged. If the bill is not paid after 35 days, a lien against the property is added to the tax bill.

When doing inspections at child care facilities, Massie said, inspectors also look at how food is prepared.

“Since kids are a little more susceptible than adults to potential food hazards, we make sure that the home or facility is in good repair and that food is being prepared in the right way,” she said.

Massie said the inspection process hasn’t changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been a lot of education, specifically with child care and smaller businesses,” she said. “Many times we’d be coming unannounced, and now, we’re checking in before going out to see if a business is still operating, letting them know we’ll be around eventually. It’s no good if we have to drive out to St. Thomas and we find out they aren’t open.”

From what she has seen, Massie said, businesses are meeting the standards they need to meet.

“We’re asking people to be rigorous in their cleaning and sanitizing, and if people have questions about those matters, it seems they’re usually calling the department to ask what they need to do, which is all we can hope for,” Massie said.