Commissioners add $2,500 fine to Antioch property amid ongoing septic, lien and condemnation issues

Clinton County commissioners voted Sept. 16 to levy an additional $2,500 fine against a corporation that owns a residential property in Antioch after a long history of unresolved septic and code-compliance issues.

County staff reported the house has a failed septic system and was declared unfit for habitation by the health department. Staff confirmed there is "no septic permit, no moving forward, no plan from the health department" as of Sept. 15, Nash Smith confirmed, county staff said.

The county has previously levied multiple fines and placed liens: a $250 fine in December (placed as a tax lien for unpaid taxes), a $500 fine on Jan. 21, a $1,000 fine on April 1, a $2,500 fine on June 3, and a subsequent $2,500 fine that had been placed with the tax sale list. The county also billed the owner $420 for mowing, which became a tax lien when unpaid.

County staff outlined two options remaining: levy another fine (up to $2,500) or begin formal condemnation by posting a 10-day notice and seeking bids to clear the property. Commissioners discussed the corporation ownership and prior enforcement difficulty and decided to attempt one more fine.

Commissioner Myers moved for another $2,500 fine and return in 30 days if unpaid; the presiding commissioner seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0. Commissioners instructed staff to include the cumulative amount due in the notice so the owner understands the total owed and to bring the matter back after the 30-day payment window if it remains unpaid. If fines remain unpaid after 30 days, commissioners said they would start the condemnation process.