Council approves $7,269.60 nuisance‑abatement lien for 4543 Yerba Avenue

Atascadero — The City Council on Jan. 12 confirmed city abatement costs tied to cleanup at 4543 Yerba Avenue and authorized a special assessment lien of $7,269.60 on the property.

City Attorney Mister Fleischman presented the draft resolution and explained the nuisance‑abatement procedure: staff completed cleanup work at the property late last year, removing debris (11 trailers reported), and is required to hold a public hearing before placing lien amounts on the county tax roll. The resolution before council would confirm the city’s cost recovery amount and allow staff to place the lien and levy on the property tax bill.

Council asked whether the lien must be settled immediately. Mister Fleischman said property owners have multiple outcomes: (1) pay the amount when due; (2) allow the lien to remain as an encumbrance that must be resolved in escrow if the property is sold; or (3) if unpaid for a prolonged period (statutory process), the county tax sale can result in foreclosure and sale for unpaid taxes.

No members of the public spoke on this item during the hearing. Council member Funk moved to adopt the draft resolution confirming the abatement cost and authorizing placement of the lien; the motion was seconded and carried 4–0 with Council member Peake absent.

The council’s action authorizes staff to place the $7,269.60 special assessment on the property tax roll; the resolution allows the property owner the statutorily required opportunities to contest or pay before foreclosure remedies are applied.