The Burns Harbor Town Council voted to pursue legal collections for civil penalties assessed against the owner of 1182 Salt Creek Road, continuing a code enforcement matter the town said has been open since 2022.

The council discussed next steps and approved a motion to move forward with the collections process under Indiana law. The Presiding Official told the council the owner missed a payment deadline of Dec. 30, 2025, after which the town may direct the building commissioner and the town attorney to prepare a record for the court; the owner would then have 30 days to object and request a hearing.

Town counsel warned that legal fees are likely. “At minimum, it would be approximately 20 hours or $5,000 for him to start pursuing this,” the Presiding Official reported on counsel’s estimate. Council discussion noted that the town has assessed about $15,000 in penalties to date and that if the penalties were collected those funds could be applied to unsafe‑building remediation, including demolition.

Attorney Clay — who reviewed the file for council — said the town can obtain court orders and judgments but cautioned there is no guarantee the owner will pay. When asked whether the town could additionally seek recovery of demolition costs, Clay said the town would pursue such claims but that payment by the owner was uncertain.

Council members discussed previously refreshed demolition estimates and the practical steps to fund and schedule a demolition if the owner fails to act. After discussion, a councilmember moved, and the council approved, a motion to begin collections. The Presiding Official said the building commissioner will prepare the record required by Indiana code and the town attorney will file it with the court.

The council’s action directs staff and counsel to begin the formal collections pathway; the outcome of any court proceedings and the question of whether the town ultimately will recover the assessed penalties or demolition costs remain unresolved.