BNS board approves liens for unpaid trash cleanup totaling $147,895.41

The Indianapolis Board of Business Neighborhood Services on May 29 authorized the director to place liens on properties with unpaid trash, debris cleanup and abatement charges under two resolutions covering 263 cases and $147,895.41 in outstanding fees.

Staff told the board that under Chapter 361 of the Revised Code, the department is responsible for inspecting and abating environmental public nuisances and may hire contractors to remove debris when property owners do not correct violations. ‘‘Staff recommends this board authorize the director to place liens upon the properties listed in exhibit A for unpaid trash, dump debris cleanup, and abatement calls incurred by the department,’’ a BNS staff member said.

The two certifications approved at the meeting were Resolution 2025C10007 — representing 36 trash-violation cases with a total amount owed of $19,181.09 — and Resolution 2025C10016 — representing 227 cases with a total amount owed of $128,714.32. Staff said these reflected fees more than 30 days past due as of May 22, 2025.

Board members asked procedural questions during the discussion, including why some certifications were held over from February. Abby Brands, director of the Department of Business Neighborhood Services, explained that a February meeting was canceled and that the department delayed certification in part to align with the property tax process so liens could be added to tax bills when appropriate. A board member asked about a case showing a percentage next to an owner’s name; a staff member (Tom) explained the percentage indicates the ownership share when multiple owners are listed.

Staff also reminded the public that appeals are available for these actions; a board member confirmed there are appeal processes for affected property owners. The board approved both resolutions by voice vote; the clerk recorded ‘‘aye’’ and the chair stated both measures passed.

The meeting record shows the board approved the two lien certifications and entered them into the record. The resolutions specify the department may place liens when abatement and cleanup costs remain unpaid; any further steps (for example addition to tax bills or enforcement timing) will follow the department’s established procedures and applicable statutory timelines.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025C10007: Authorize director to place liens for 36 trash-violation cases; total owed $19,181.09. Outcome: approved by voice vote. - Resolution 2025C10016: Authorize director to place liens for 227 trash-violation cases; total owed $128,714.32. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

The board adjourned the trash-lien portion of the agenda and moved on to additional items on the schedule.