(A) When a violation of this chapter is abated by action of the town or its contractor, the owner(s) of record at the time the notice to remove weeds and/or rank vegetation was served is jointly and severally liable for the following costs:
(1) The actual cost of the work performed by the town or the invoiced amount of work accomplished by a contractor; and
(2) (a) An amount that represents a reasonable forecast of the average processing expense that will be incurred by the town in taking the technical, administrative and legal actions concerning typical weed and/or rank vegetation violations that are necessary for work to be performed by the town or by a contractor.
(b) In calculating the amount of the average processing expense, the following costs may be considered:
1. The cost of obtaining reliable information about the identity and location of the owner of the property;
2. The cost of preparing and mailing notices;
3. The salaries and fringe benefits of employees;
4. The pro-rated cost of motor vehicle operating costs for town-owned vehicles or the cost of the mileage for the use of employees’ private vehicles; and
5. The cost of supplies, equipment and office space.
(B) The Town Council shall determine the amount of the average processing expense at a public hearing after notice has been given in the same manner as is required for other official actions of the Council. In determining the average processing expense, the Council may fix the amount at a full dollar amount that is an even multiple of five.
(Ord. 2019-3, passed 7-16-2019)