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Funding established for nuisance abatement program
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA The City of Hastings has a tool to address unsafe properties not in compliance with the minimal property standards, but the city will continue to work with property owners.
The city's current budget includes $300,000 allotted for demolition and cleanup of properties found to be dangerous to life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards, or the property is so damaged that collapse is possible.
Those minimal property standards are set forth in the International Property Maintenance Codes as adopted by the city through City Code 40-501.
This special assessment will be the third in a three-step process for the city when it comes to handling code violations and is intended to be the mechanism by which the city is able to recoup funds expended on these properties in violation of city code.
The first step is working with the property owner to abate violations. This includes letting the property owner know, without citation, there are code violations, then provide reasonable time to get the property into compliance.
The second step goes into effect if the property is not willing to work with city code officials or show progress.
The property owner is officially cited. The citation is referred to the city attorney for prosecution.
Historically, due to city financial and personnel constraints, the city stopped further action at this time or possibly cited the property owner again.
The city does not retain or recoup any funds awarded by the court through prosecution of code violations. All proceeds go to local schools.
The city wants to work with property owners and will give the property owner proper notice delivered personally, or via mail. The city also will post a notice on the property.
Failure to pay an invoice will result in either civil action or placing a special assessment (lien) on the property. It would be secondary to a tax lien.
The special assessment is how the city recoups costs spent on properties in violation of city code.
Failure to pay the special assessment may result in foreclosure on property. This can occur two years after property is determined to be delinquent.
Members of the Hastings City Council would act on special assessments when it comes to that time.
There would be a separate resolution for each property.
In extreme circumstances, unoccupied homes could be demolished without going through the first two steps if its condition warrants it.
Published Date: 03/ 3/2023