It looks like a deal to enforce Pierce County sign laws will continue for another year.

The County Council this morning approved a provision for its 2010 budget that requires the public works department to spend at least $70,000 but no more than $100,000 for a countywide sign enforcement program.

Sign code enforcement has been a matter of much interest for the council. Two years ago the council paid for a pilot program to remove signs that clutter roadsides in unincorporated Pierce County. The program proved to be successful and popular. But the public works department stopped countywide enforcement sweeps, citing tight budgets and questions about how to enforce the law.

As a result, sign clutter returned. The News Tribune last May found dozens of illegal signs posted at intersections across the county.

The council and County Executive Pat McCarthy later reached a deal on enforcement. Crews visit the worst intersections monthly and sweep the busiest arterial roads each quarter.

This morning’s budget provision continues funding for that deal for 2010. The council is expected to finalize the budget Tuesday afternoon.