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Council approves placing delinquent solid‑waste charges on property tax roll; property owner disputes abatement work
Summary
The council authorized placing delinquent solid‑waste and abatement costs as special assessments to appear on the fiscal 2026–27 property tax roll if unpaid by June 28, 2026. A property owner and his attorney disputed the city's abatement methods and said a tort claim seeking damages has been filed.
The Moreno Valley City Council voted May 19 to authorize placement of unpaid solid‑waste and abatement charges as special assessments on the fiscal year 2026–27 property tax roll if the invoices remain unpaid by June 28, 2026. Deputy Finance Director Patty Hewitt and Special Districts Division Manager Valerie Arenas Reyes described the annual process for notices, invoicing and placement on the tax roll; staff said final certified resolutions would be filed with the Riverside County Auditor‑Controller in early August if charges remain unpaid.
During public testimony, attorney Chuck Krulacowski, representing property owner Gilbert Morales, said the city’s abatement contractors removed trees and vegetation that were not listed in the notice to abate and that his client has been billed about $25,000 for the work. "It was not permitted. It's a trespass," Krulacowski said, and he said a tort claim has already been submitted to the city's insurer (PERMA).
Property owner Gilbert Morales testified he bought the land about 18 months earlier and said he wants to work with the city to resolve drainage and sewer issues. Other residents described similar experiences with liens and fines and asked the council to consider mitigation or payment options for homeowners who cannot pay immediately.
City officials, including Community Development Director Angelica Frausto Lupo and the city attorney, said the city had repeatedly contacted the property owner, posted notices and followed the city’s abatement process. The city attorney explained that the submitted tort claim will be processed by PERMA and, if rejected or denied, the owner may pursue litigation; a court would ultimately decide the legality of the abatement methods if a suit is filed.
The council approved the staff recommendation on a recorded vote. The action authorizes staff to pursue assessment placement on the property tax roll for unpaid charges after the June 28 deadline; individual disputes about the lawfulness of particular abatements will be resolved through the tort‑claims and court process if litigated.
