Comment Up
Tonight under 10-A Public Hearings:
The city wants to tax you. It is still coming after each and every property owner in Lake Worth for a general obligation bond that this time they believe will pass for roads infrastructure. They can't stand the word "no" and they won't stop until they get the cash. There are some who don't mind being taxed for decades and are happy to bear the burden.
The city also wants to place liens on your property regarding utility service and be able to take your property for non-payment.
Sec. 18-2. Lien of utility service charges.
(a)The city will have liens on all lands or premises served by its water system, sewer system, stormwater system, solid waste system and electric system for all service charges for such services and facilities until paid which liens shall be prior to all other liens on such lands or premises except the lien of state, county and municipal taxes and shall be on a parity with the lien of such state, county and municipal taxes. Such liens, when delinquent for more than thirty (30) days, may be foreclosed by the city in the manner provided by the Laws of Florida for the foreclosure of mortgages on real property.
b) A lien established by this section shall be released by the Mayor upon the payment of the service charges and the recommendation of the applicable department director or his or her designee. The release of lien shall be in written form and executed by the Mayor or designee and City Clerk.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) above, the city shall not have a lien on rental properties or rental units when prohibited by section 180.135, Florida Statutes
if you pay your bill, then there's no problem. I think it's a good idea, people who have skipped out on their bills owe us millions and guess who suffers for it? Those of us who pay our bills. Put liens on the slumlords. I like it.
ReplyDeleteperhaps the item should be re-read by Anonymous 10:32
ReplyDeleteRentals are exempt per fl statute
"...city shall not have a lien on rental properties or rental units"
So they can come after owner owned properties but NOT RENTALS???? Isn't that an unequal application of the law? If someone is more than 30 days late on a water bill they can take your house?
ReplyDeleteand if it's the latest usual and customary Code Compliance W/Teeth the lien will be above construction & MORTGAGE LIENS!
ReplyDeleteTell us again how home ownership is the answer...
Weetha I think you need to re-read the article.
ReplyDelete10:32 here . . . I don't feel like slogging thru state statutes to read the exception, but I can tell you that in my neck of the woods, most of the slumlords own slummy houses, not apartments.
ReplyDeleteNo lien on rental units bc the utility bill is in name of renter not owner.
ReplyDeleteGo after the owner of that rental property then. He's responsible. It's his lease. He's the one making the money. Too many slumlords getting away with murder.
ReplyDelete