(A) The property owner is responsible for all costs incurred in the abatement of the violation, including all collection costs associated with the abatement of the violation, including, but not limited to, court costs, attorney’s fees and interest on any unpaid amounts incurred by the city.
(B) The city shall send an invoice to the owner by personal hand delivery or by first- class mail. The invoice shall include all costs incurred, including administrative costs and removal costs in the abatement of the violation. All payments for these costs shall be paid to the Clerk-Treasurer and shall be deposited into the General Fund.
(C) The property owner shall pay these costs to the Clerk-Treasurer not later than ten days, excluding days the city is not open to conduct business, after the date contained on the notice.
(D) If the property owner fails to pay the incurred costs, the Code Enforcement Officer shall certify the cost of the invoice and any additional costs incurred to certify the invoice, to the Rush County Auditor. The total amount certified shall be placed on the tax duplicate for the property and the total amount, including any accrued interest, shall be collected as delinquent taxes are collected and shall be disbursed to the General Fund for the city.
(E) If the property owner fails to pay an invoice issued by the city within the timeframe specified, the city may bring action in an appropriate court to collect the amount of the invoice, plus any additional costs incurred in the collection, including court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. With respect to any judgment obtained under this division (E), the city may obtain a lien in the amount of the judgment on any real or personal property of the owner.
(Am. Ord. 2014-22, passed 9-2-2014)