The Oskaloosa City Council voted to levy special assessments against four private properties for mowing and weed removal under Chapter 8.2 of the City Code after a public hearing Monday. Property owners will have 30 days from filing with the Mahaska County Treasurer to pay the charges in the city clerk’s office before the costs are assessed to property taxes with interest as provided in the code.

The public hearing drew several property owners and residents who complained about notification, billing and the city’s contracted mowing process. Sandy Frogger, representing Frogger Properties, said the owner did not receive timely notice and received bills only after work was done, citing two bills that listed $500 and $550 and saying, “We didn't get any pictures showing that it actually needed to be done.”

A resident who identified himself as Larry described longstanding nuisance properties and urged stronger enforcement, saying structures should be repaired or removed to reduce safety risks. In response, a staff member identified as Chi said the green tag is issued after a property reaches a point of noncompliance and that staff do not have a mechanism to contact all landlords ahead of enforcement: “The way our code is set up, we draft the green tag. I can't run down every landlord that's in town.”

City staff said the city contracts mowing work to an outside company (the contract replaced in‑house mowing) and that photos are taken before and after contractor work at the point the green tag triggers action. The council noted the process and clarified that certified notices were sent and that notice of the hearing was published in the Oskaloosa Herald. The resolution authorizes assessment filing and the collection mechanics described under the city code.

Council members and staff also discussed practical changes to improve communication with landlords, including providing owners’ contact lists when available and reviewing timing for notices tied to capital projects and code enforcement. Several speakers asked the council to consider more proactive outreach to landlords so owners can address problems before city crews or contractors mow.

The council closed the public hearing and approved the resolution as presented. The action directs the city to file the assessments for the listed properties, begin the 30‑day payment period, and proceed with collection procedures set out in the code if charges are not paid.

Copies of the assessment notices and the city’s Chapter 8.2 procedures are available in the city clerk’s office; property owners with questions were advised to contact the clerk for documentation and photo evidence related to a specific mowing action.