NITRO, W.Va. — The Nitro City Council is looking to pass a new ordinance that would result in tougher penalties for those who fail to maintain their property.
The council is looking for tougher penalties for residents who fail to mow their lawns and leave their homes unkempt. The council passed the ordinance on first reading, with second reading likely happening at the next council meeting on Sept. 5.
Mayor Dave Casebolt said while there are procedures in place right now to deal with the problem, it is inefficient.
“Typically, what was done before was we gave them a warning and told them they had to clean it up and then there option was for us to bring them to court,” he said. “It would be a three or four month delay, and they still wouldn’t have their yards cleaned up.”
Under the proposed ordinance, property owners would be allowed one warning a year. If they fail to act, they will receive a $50 fine which would increase until the problem was corrected. If the issue is addressed but comes up again later in the year, they would face another $50 fine.
A property owner could pay the fine or appeal in court.
“You’re dealing with the same property owners over and over and over again,” Casebolt said. “This allows us to address it in a more efficient matter.”
The ordinance would go into effect next January if it passes.
The council also approved a $11,875 bid from Absolut Roofing to replace the roof at the Nitro Fire Department. The work would be paid for with fire service fee funds.