Council reduces lien for 193320 Third Avenue to $32,000 after owner testimony and debate

The Vero Beach City Council voted to reduce a code-enforcement lien tied to 193320 Third Avenue to $32,000, with the reduction conditional on payment within 60 days. Council discussion ranged from sympathy for the owner to concerns about precedent and code enforcement consistency.

Chief of Police/Code Enforcement (identified in the meeting as Chief Curry) provided the case history: an initial complaint in January 2019, a warning in February 2019, a citation issued shortly after the property’s 2020 sale, and subsequent code-board action in January 2021 that granted a 60-day compliance window. The chief told the council the property “came in compliance on 01/16/2025,” and that total daily fines were calculated retroactively from the citation date. He recommended a partial reduction that would lower the lien to $64,149, crediting the owner for steps taken toward compliance.

Property owner Tracy Roschak spoke to the council, saying she purchased the home in October 2020 and learned about the prior noncompliance only later in the closing/discovery process. Roschak described the work she then completed to remove kitchen and plumbing fixtures and the steps taken with the county and city to secure permits; she described hiring a contractor to complete required structural and permitting work.

Council members discussed disclosure issues, the property’s sale and prior owner’s role, and the need to maintain consistent enforcement. An initial motion to accept Chief Curry’s recommendation (reducing the lien to $64,149) did not carry. Following further discussion, Council Member Dingle moved — and the council subsequently approved — a motion to reduce the payoff amount to $32,000 with a 60-day payment deadline; if not paid within 60 days the lien would revert to the original amount.

Roll call on the final motion recorded: Mister Voss — Yes; Mister Dingle — Yes; Mister Carroll — No; Vice Mayor Moore — Yes; Mayor Catunno — Yes. The motion passed on recorded roll call.

Council and staff noted the difficulty of lien-reduction cases, the appeal process, and the balance between fairness to individuals and consistent application of code enforcement. The clerk recorded the council’s motion and the 60-day payment condition; the owner stated she intended to pay immediately if the council approved the reduction.

Clarifying details provided in the meeting record included the original citation date (November 2020), permit issue date (June 11, 2024), the date the property came into compliance (January 16, 2025), and the city’s calculation method (days at $50 per day producing the original figure cited in staff materials). Council asked staff to ensure the reduced payoff amount would be honored only if paid within the period specified.