(a) The purpose of this Article is to provide an enforcement mechanism for the City of Wheeling to collect delinquent municipal fees, interest or penalties for services provided for the public good by providing that all service liens shall be placed on property for security of payment due under various ordinances. The liens for delinquent fees will have a secured position and priority should the property be sold at a forced sale and the City may have the option of initiating a sale to enforce and collect the lien. The fees are classified by the City of Wheeling as user fees rather than a tax and all proceeds which may be collected shall be used to pay a portion of expenses associated with the service provided by the City which generated the fee, interest and penalties.
(b) The City of Wheeling needs to be able, through assertion of Home Rule powers, to fully utilize and expand West Virginia Code § 8-13-13 to assist in a legal, equitable form of recapturing monies expended to enhance public health, safety and welfare and so that there will be some incentive for property owners to comply with the Ordinances pertaining to real property and to pay the municipality the fees due for services rendered or for collection purposes for fees owed. (Ord. 13779. Passed 5-19-09.)