Marion County commissioners reduce code-enforcement liens, set payment terms for residents

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved reductions or targeted releases of liens in several code-enforcement and restitution cases during its April 7 meeting.

Commissioners moved to reduce a long‑standing abatement lien on a Ocklawaha parcel to the documented hard cost of $2,635.41, removing accrued interest. Commissioner Bryant moved the action, and Commissioner Curry seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

After hearing from property purchaser Carolyn Morales, who said she had demolished a mobile home, paid back taxes and spent roughly $13,743.74 to bring the parcel into compliance, staff confirmed the property was cleaned up and documented the lien history. Code‑enforcement director Chuck Verdon said staff verified removal of the structure and that the hard abatement cost totaled $2,635.41 while the lien with interest was $8,102.45. "The property is clean," Verdon said, and staff recommended accepting the hard cost.

In a separate case involving Bradley Carr, the board agreed to waive interest and work with the applicant and county attorney to structure a promissory note or payment plan so Carr could pursue a mortgage. Carr told commissioners he had learned of the $8,279.57 restitution charge only when trying to buy a home; supporter Mark Schafer described Carr as a steady employee. The board directed staff to set affordable payment terms and recorded a unanimous vote to move forward with the reduction and repayment plan.

Commissioners also granted relief to Diane Lafave, who said she inherited a parcel with an abatement lien she did not expect. Staff reported a hard abatement/case cost of $3,474.32 and a total balance with interest of $8,482.92; the board voted to accept only the hard cost and waive the remainder.

The board’s actions were framed as efforts to make taxpayers whole while recognizing individual hardship and recent property purchasers’ cleanup efforts. In each instance, commissioners emphasized consistency with past practice and instructed staff and the county attorney to document payment agreements or promissory notes where appropriate.

The county clerk recorded unanimous votes on the items; staff will follow up with applicants on payment and paperwork instructions.