Sean C. Morgan
Fines of $147,000 levied against two property owners for violating city ordinances will be dismissed if and when the property in question is brought into compliance with the ordinances, according to a city official.
Kelly Prince and Lois Prince of Aumsville were found guilty on 294 violations each by Judge Larry Blake Jr. in Sweet Home Municipal Court on May 17.
Each were cited for three violations per day over a 98-day period at 1610 Elm St.
Each day, they were charged for a hedge that was too tall in a clear vision area, tall grass and stored trash, said Code Enforcement Officer Mike Remesnik. Each charge carried a fine of $500.
The property owners did not appear in court, and the judge found them guilty based on Remesnik’s case.
“Once they get it all cleaned up, the judge will dismiss it,” Remesnik said.
A tenant has recently moved out, and the property is now vacant, he said.
The property is in the foreclosure process, he said. “The bank says until it’s further into foreclosure, ‘we’re not doing anything.’
“The owners say, ‘We’re going to lose it. We’re not going to do anything.’”
Remesnik noted that he hasn’t had any luck contacting the owners by phone. The Princes did not appear in court. The New Era located a phone number, but it had been disconnected.
Remesnik said he has had a couple of cases with such large fines.
“I send letters,” he said. “I try to get them to get it fixed, then I cite them into court.”
Remesnik prosecutes the case before the judge, he said.
When complete, the judge imposes a fine. When it’s cleaned up, the judge will dismiss the case.