1345.07 ABATEMENT BY CITY.

   (a)   Should a public nuisance not be abated within the time stated in the notice given pursuant to this chapter, or within such additional time as the Board may grant for such abatement, the Director of Public Service or his designated representative shall have the right to enter upon the premises and abate such nuisance. In abating a public nuisance, the Director of Public Service may take such action as is necessary to complete the abatement and should it be practicable to sell or salvage any material resulting from such abatement, he may cause the same to be sold at public or private sale at the best price obtainable and shall keep an account of the proceeds thereof. Such proceeds shall be deposited in the General Fund of the City. Should the amount recovered be insufficient to pay the cost of the abatement, the remaining balance shall become the assessment amount and notice of such assessment shall be sent by regular mail to the owner or person having control of the real estate at his last known address to pay the cost of such abatement. If payment of such costs is not received by the City within thirty days after the mailing of such notice, then the amount shall be certified to the County Auditor for collection the same as other real estate taxes and assessments are collected. The cost of abatement of the public nuisance shall be an amount determined by the Service Director and includes, without limitation, the cost of preparing and sending any notices, the cost of inspection of properties by City officials, and the cost of abating the public nuisance whether such abatement is performed by the City or by an independent contractor. Costs for services of City employees include, without limitation, an amount based on the hourly rate of pay, including all fringe benefits, of the personnel involved.

   (b)   The Director of Public Service may utilize any labor or equipment of the City in abating a public nuisance or may contract for the abatement thereof provided that the expenditure of funds for such abatement is properly authorized. (Ord. 24-1998. Passed 1-20-98.)