(A) Abatement. If the owner of the property fails to abate the violation by cutting the weeds and rank vegetation, the Clerk-Treasurer shall cause the violation to be abated by the town or contractors or agents engaged for the purpose of abating the violation. The town, person or firm abating the violation may enter upon the property, at any reasonable time, to perform work reasonable and necessary to abate the violation without further notice to the owner.
(B) Cost.
(1) In the event the town or its contractors or agents perform the work to abate the violation, the owner shall be responsible for the cost of abating the violation. Each person who held a fee interest or life estate interest in the property from the time when the notice requiring the work performed was given to the time that the work was completed shall be jointly and severally responsible for the following costs:
(a) The actual cost of the work performed by the town or the price of work accomplished by the contractor in accordance with this chapter;
(b) An amount which represents a reasonable forecast of the average processing expense which will be incurred by the town in taking all the technical, administrative and legal actions relative to property which are necessary under this chapter so that the action required by a notice may be performed by a contractor in accordance with this chapter. In calculating the amount of the average processing expense, the following costs may be considered:
1. Obtaining reliable information about the identity and location of persons who own the property;
2. Accomplishing notice or notices required by this chapter;
3. Salaries for employees;
4. Supplies, equipment and office space.
(2) The amount of such average processing expense shall be determined by the Clerk-Treasurer. Following the determination of the cost of abatement, the Clerk-Treasurer shall provide the owner with a notice of such cost indicating that payment must be made to the office of the Clerk-Treasurer within 15 days. This notice shall further provide that failure to pay within the time specified may result in additional costs or penalties.
(`77 Code, § 51.05) (Am. Ord. 1996-2, passed 4-15-96)