DeKalb County commissioners voted Nov. 24 to authorize litigation to abate two longstanding public‑nuisance properties, saying informal enforcement had failed and court orders are required to force cleanup.

County code enforcement staff presented photos and a timeline showing that the Saddison property did not comply with a 60‑day order issued Aug. 4 and that certified notices were mailed Nov. 17. The attorney recommended filing a complaint asking a judge to authorize county crews to clean the sites at the owners’ expense under DeKalb County Code §16‑7‑2(3)(f), recover attorney fees, and place liens on the properties if owners do not reimburse the county.

"We have given them more than enough time; there's been no progress," Ace, the county inspector, said, recommending the county proceed to court. Commissioners moved and voted to direct staff to prepare litigation for the Saddison property; the motion passed.

A second status hearing for property owned by Ronald Rodman followed. Inspectors said complaints go back to 2021; staff showed photographs taken the morning of the meeting and described recurring dumping and visible hazards. Mr. Rodman and family members told the board they had attempted cleanup but were hampered by medical issues and logistics.

"I've had to stop for 60 days because I was in the hospital," Rodman said, describing partial efforts to remove trailers and load material for disposal.

Neighbors also spoke. Christine Wells, a nearby resident, said she had repeatedly helped clear the land in the past and described the recurring problem of others dumping items on the acreage.

Commissioners said they prefer voluntary cleanup but concluded litigation is warranted if the owner does not make substantial progress in the weeks before the county files suit. County counsel said filing typically gives owners additional time to act; if the county does the work it bills the property owner, places a lien, and pursues collection through normal judgment and lien processes.

The board voted to move forward with litigation for the Rodman case as well; staff said they would continue inspections and drop the lawsuit if the properties were cleaned before the court filing.

Next steps: county attorneys will prepare complaints and seek court orders authorizing code‑compliance officials to abate the nuisances and to recover costs, including attorney fees. If the county prevails, the cost of cleanup becomes a judgment lien on each property.