Board rejects blanket forgiveness of demolition liens under $10,000

The board considered a resolution that would direct the city manager to request the Miller County tax collector to release demolition liens under $10,000. The measure prompted extended debate over two competing drafts: one that would allow case-by-case forgiveness contingent on written notice and an agreement to maintain or rebuild the property (and that excluded CDBG-funded liens), and another that critics called a blanket forgiveness without sufficient safeguards.

City staff explained the current process: a property owner who discovers a lien contacts city staff and typically signs an agreement to build back or maintain the lot; the city manager has authority to release liens up to $10,000 without board approval. Board members expressed concerns that blanket forgiveness could be exploited and that it would eliminate an opportunity to collect on some liens. Counsel and staff pointed to differences between the versions distributed to the board that morning.

Following debate and questions about legal and practical consequences, the board held a roll-call vote. The resolution to blanket-forgive eligible demolition liens under $10,000 did not pass. During the discussion, staff offered to mail notices to property owners about lien-release eligibility; Director Harris said he would withdraw his separate ordinance and accept staff's offer to notify owners. No blanket forgiveness was enacted.