A Jefferson resident who owns rental properties in Carroll voiced her opposition to a proposed inspection ordinance currently being drafted by the City of Carroll. Margaret M. Saddoris, owner and manager of Camden Apartments, was present at Monday night’s Carroll City Council meeting and was joined by Jolene Handlos in telling those gathered they did not receive an invitation to a recent open house on the draft ordinance. City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, apologized.
Saddoris, who has 60 units, and Handlos, who has 11, wanted to know what initiated the process in the first place. Saddoris also wanted to hear an outline on the city’s goals.
She added that she has a problem with creating an ordinance if they are just looking to fill a position that would be funded by taxpayers. She said she pays $42,000 a year in taxes for her business and gets no credits or breaks and this would just be another burden. The landlords believe the initially proposed $100 to $150 inspection fee and per unit charge would eventually have to be passed on to the tenants, which will result in increased rental prices for units in the city. Council member, Carolyn Siemann, said she has heard from many of her constituents about the need for inspections.
She added the council wants to speak to the basic safety issues for the tenants of these properties. Councilman Clay Haley told Saddoris and Handlos that the regulations will also give the city “a leg to stand on” when complaints do come in. The process for enacting the ordinance is still lengthy, and the council said they want to have these types of discussions with interested landlords to create one that is fair for all.
