Post by @ocillacode on Jul 8, 2016 at 9:23am

Hello,

Can someone give me information on how Cities budget for demo of Dilapidated Structures? Is this added to your city budget each year? Do you have private donations? Are property owners made to do this? We have a about 5 -6 houses that are boarded up and we are getting little to no cooperation from property owners regarding demo.  Some of the property owners are keeping the taxes paid and some are not?

We have an ordinance stating the City can pay for the demo and add it to the persons taxes, but I was told it was a liability and we can't do it?

Any help or ideas with this is appreciated.

Thanks,

Kayla Wilson

City of Ocilla

ocillacityadmin@windstream.net

 

Post by @Angel Gray on Aug 11, 2016 at 9:24am

Kayla,

Most jurisdictions request funds for demolition/abatement at the beginning of each fiscal year. These funds normally come from general funds. Your ordinance should provide that liens be placed on properties where the city uses funds to abate violations. The tax commissioner (in most cases) helps in reclaiming the liens. There is a process which must be followed and your ordinances should outline the (IN REM). You must have a court order for demolition. Normally, the Judge will order the property owner to remedy within a timeframe and where they fail to comply the order includes the jurisdictions right to pursue demolition and abatement.