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Council adopts code-enforcement ordinance setting $150/hour abatement fee
Summary
Council suspended rules and adopted Ordinance No. 8, 2026 (amending Ord. No. 1224, 2024) to establish a $150-per-hour municipal cleanup/abatement rate and authorized summary-abatement procedures; motion passed on roll call, 5–0.
The Helena-West Helena City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 8, 2026, amending Ordinance No. 1224 (2024) to establish a municipal cleanup rate of $150 per hour for abatement of nuisance conditions and to clarify statutory authority for municipal abatement.
The mayor introduced the ordinance, noting it is intended to provide “teeth” for code enforcement so the city can address overgrown yards, illegal dumping and other nuisance conditions that affect neighbors and public health. City code-enforcement staff said the administration has increased field activity — orange notice stickers and tow operations — and identified four properties the department recommends declaring public nuisances and pursuing summary abatement: 620 Plaza, 302 Sebastian, 907 Pecan Street and 516 Perry Street.
Council briefly debated the $150/hour amount; one member suggested $100 might be less burdensome, but code staff and the mayor said $150/hour is needed to deter repeat noncompliance and to offset the city's cost of contracting out abatement work.
The council first voted to suspend rules and place the ordinance on third reading (roll call, five yes votes) and then voted to adopt the ordinance (roll call, five yes votes). The ordinance language included authority to set hearing dates, allow residents an opportunity to cure nuisance conditions, and authorize contracting for abatement when necessary.
