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Council approves annual assessment of liens for delinquent city fees after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing and questions about large accounts and notice procedures, the council approved resolutions allowing the city to place eligible delinquent fees on the county tax roll if unpaid.
The San Leandro City Council on Monday adopted a resolution after a public hearing allowing the city to impose liens for certain delinquent fees and assessments on property tax bills, including code enforcement, sidewalk and driveway repairs, CUPA (environmental) fees, and wastewater user charges.
Finance Manager Susan Noonsh presented the item and noted a desk amendment that clarified the city manager or designee may withhold an account from the final roll if in the city’s best interest. Noonsh said the city sends multiple notices (May, June and July) and works with property owners on payment plans before assessing the county tax roll in early to mid‑August.
Several property owners testified, describing large fines and difficulty receiving notice. “We were not aware of these citations until October 2024,” said Marla Bueno, representing Bueno Properties, which sought relief and a waiver of roughly $14,000 in fines for a vacant property at 501 East 14th Street. Another property owner described repeated graffiti-related citations and disputes over inspection and notice processes.
Council members pressed staff on the process. Assistant Director Avalon Schultz and Finance Manager Noonsh explained that the city typically mails to the Alameda County assessor’s mailing address and that staff will work case‑by‑case to reverse citations or withhold liens when a property is brought into full compliance. Schultz said fines are an enforcement tool to encourage compliance but noted for single‑family properties there is a maximum citation of $5,000; for non‑single‑family properties there is no statutory maximum.
Councilmember Bolt said the ultimate goal was remediation and community beautification rather than revenue. Noonsh described collections activity: since the draft roll was prepared staff had collected several large accounts and expected additional payments before the final assessment.
Councilmember Aguilar moved adoption of the resolutions to overrule protests and record eligible liens; Councilmember Bolt seconded. The motions passed 5-0-2 with Councilmember Simon and Vice Mayor Bowen absent.
Staff said they will continue to work with affected property owners on payment plans or other remedies before the roll is sent to the county assessor.
