Code enforcement asks board for dedicated cleanup funding as nuisance properties mount

Code enforcement staff told commissioners that recent foreclosures and nuisance properties require more funding to complete remediation work and asked the board to consider a dedicated cleanup allocation in next year’s budget.

The presenter said the department is managing multiple properties acquired through liens and foreclosure and cited a recent cleanup with asbestos abatement that cost about $12,000 and a larger estimated cleanup that could run as high as $350,000. The presenter proposed setting aside $100,000 for cleanups in the coming fiscal year so crews could act promptly on higher‑priority properties; the speaker also suggested that, if the board preferred a larger commitment, $500,000 would allow more comprehensive progress on the backlog.

Suggestions for the source of funds included LATCF, economic development or tourism reserves. Commissioners expressed support for giving code enforcement dedicated money to address eyesores and ill‑maintained properties, asked for a prioritized list of properties and dollar estimates to accompany any request, and noted that prior LPCF or similar funds had been used for cleanup work.

The presenter also noted an expansion of code enforcement duties into animal control and camps management and requested handheld radios for officer safety; board members signaled support conditional on budget availability and asked staff to return with a detailed list and cost estimate.