Whenever any public nuisance is abated by the City pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the City shall assess the costs of such abatement to the owner or person having control of the real estate upon which the public nuisance was abated. A 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. A fine of $50 shall be added to any second abatement performed on any property subject to this code within any calendar year. A fine of $100 shall be added to any third abatement performed on any property subject to this code within any calendar year. A fine of $150 shall be added to any fourth and subsequent abatement performed on any property subject to this code within any calendar year.
(Ord. 2006-149. Passed 10-12-06.)