Ruthie Helms, supervisor of building inspections, told council unpaid invoices would be treated in the same manner of municipal taxes.
Helms suggested the goal for the ordinance was to act as a deterrent for repeat offenders and to help offset the cost of services provided. Liens will be imposed against real property.
“We currently are using tax payer dollars, through our annual budget, to perform activities that should be the responsibility of the property owner. We currently budget $15,000 annually and the GCRA budgets a similar amount for these types of community needs. This ordinance is intended to place the fiscal responsibility where it belongs, with the owner of the property,” Helms reported.
Second reading is scheduled Sept. 23.
Council also passed, 7-0, with six text amendments, an ordinance to regulate the use of storage containers and buildings on property within the city.