The Carroll City Council made progress during the Monday, Feb. 12 meeting in implementing a vacant property ordinance intended to encourage owners to sell, lease, or otherwise utilize empty structures. The initial ordinance to be advanced by the council would have implemented a registration fee of $500 for functionally abandoned buildings, but it did not include provisions for vacant lots. Ward 3 Councilman Kyle Bauer, who was absent during the ordinance’s first reading last month, says he does not believe a $500 penalty is enough to encourage a property owner to take action.
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Bauer recommended they return to the original language, which would put the vacant property penalty at one percent of the assessed valuation. At-Large Councilman LaVern Dirkx noted some properties that would be affected by the ordinance have very low valuations. Bauer and Ward 2 Councilman Jason Atherton suggested combining the two options.
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While ordinances like this are common in other communities throughout Iowa, this would be the first for Carroll. Atherton says it is important residents understand the intent behind the ordinance.
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The council favored making the changes, but City Attorney Dave Bruner advised they would need to begin the three-reading process over to follow proper procedure. The council voted unanimously to approve the amended ordinance. Two more readings are required before it would become active.