(A) When the Village Chief of Police or his or her designated agent determines that noxious weeds and rank vegetation, as described in this chapter exist on one of the days set forth in § 94.03, he or she shall forthwith serve written notice by ordinary mail or hand delivery upon the owner or occupant, or any other person, firm or corporation, having the care of the lot or land, ordering the cutting and removal of the noxious weeds and rank vegetation within five days from the date of notice.
(B) If the address of the owner or other person having charge of the land is unknown, it is sufficient to send notice to the owner’s address listed with the Shelby County Auditor’s office.
(C) Only one notice per calendar year under divisions (A) or (B) hereof is required for a lot or parcel. The annual notification will carry with it a fine of $125 for violating this chapter and will be payable within ten days of notice. If not paid, it will be assessed to the property taxes. If, after a notice has been served in accordance with this section, the Village Chief of Police, or his or her designated agent, determines that a subsequent violation has occurred, the village may proceed with the remedy set forth in division (D) below without further notice.
(D) If the owner, lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of the land fails to comply with the notice, the Village Administrator shall cause such noxious weeds to be cut and destroyed and may employ necessary labor to perform the task. All expenses incurred shall, when approved by the Fiscal Officer, be paid out of the moneys in the treasurer of the municipality not otherwise appropriated. Such cutting and removing shall be at the owner’s expense and the costs, together with an administrative fee of 20%, shall be assessed against the lot or land. Such administrative fee shall not exceed $200. The Fiscal Officer will invoice the owner or pertinent party and if not paid within 30 days of dated invoice, he or she will prepare documents to have the total assessed to the property taxes.
(E) The Fiscal Officer shall make a written return to the County Auditor of the action under this chapter with a statement of the charges for their services, the amount paid for labor, and a proper description of the premises. These amounts, when allowed, shall be entered upon the tax duplicate and are a lien upon such lands and after the date of entry will be collected as other taxes and returned to the Village of Anna General Fund.
(Ord. 1486-06, passed 8-22-2006; Am. Ord. 1659-14, passed 10-28-2014; Am. Ord. 21-1790, passed 7-13-2021)