Jackson council adopts ordinance tying property-owner licensing to delinquent taxes

Council members voted unanimously June 23 to adopt Ordinance 202622, amending Chapter 251 of the township code to establish property-owner licensing tied to delinquent property taxes.

Council President Bernstein said the housing bureau is intended to secure compliance rather than raise revenue and that the ordinance supports enforcement. Councilman Pollock said he supported the ordinance but urged fair application: "I hope nobody is specifically targeted. I hope it's applied equally to all people," he said. Councilman Belli and Councilman Breie also voted yes; Council Vice President Paul Mary voted yes as well.

The ordinance passed after a public-comment period during the council’s meeting and a roll-call vote. Council members noted the housing bureau has been conducting inspections across town and that many property owners have complied following initial notices.

The council did not specify in the meeting immediate new fee schedules beyond the licensing language adopted; the ordinance directs the administration and tax office to coordinate with building and zoning departments to implement the licensing and withholding mechanisms, Bernstein said. The measure takes effect following the usual post-adoption administrative steps and any required publication.

The council met later in the evening on a separate ordinance introducing a potential land purchase and heard extended public comment about the township’s Open Space Trust Fund.