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Commissioners levy third fines on two unfit houses over septic issues; liens possible
Summary
After months of nonpayment and limited owner contact, the board approved third fines — $500 for a Hillisburg property and $1,000 for an Antioch property — and directed staff to proceed with liens if unpaid.
Clinton County commissioners voted April 1 to impose third fines for two residences previously declared unfit because of nonfunctioning septic systems.
Staff described two properties: a small, partially gutted house on Hillis Street in Hillisburg, where an owner previously attended a meeting and was given a lesser second fine, and a rental property near Antioch owned by an out-of-state rental company. The county had levied second fines; both remained unpaid and staff reported the fines were sent for lien filing with the county attorney’s office.
After discussion about differing prospects for reuse and owner engagement, commissioners voted to set the next fine level (third fine) at $500 for the Hillisburg property and $1,000 for the Antioch property. Staff said letters notifying the owners of the fines will be sent; if unpaid the amounts will be sent for lien filing and could lead to tax sale procedures. The board recorded the outcome as a 3-0 vote.
County staff noted differences in the two properties’ likely marketability: the Hillisburg house is on a very small lot and has had the tank and yard disturbed, which staff said may make on-site septic installation impractical; the Antioch property, while rented in violation of septic rules at the time it was tagged, may have more potential market value if a septic can be installed. Staff also reiterated the county’s preference to pursue lien recovery and tax-sale processes rather than using taxpayer dollars for demolition in most cases.
Why it matters: Commissioners are enforcing local property-health ordinances to remove public-health risks and to recover unpaid fines through liens. The differing fine amounts reflect a combination of prior owner contact and staff assessments of reuse potential.
What’s next: Staff will send notices to owners and forward unpaid fines for lien filings; commissioners expect the issue to return in late May or early June if the fines remain unpaid.
