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Magistrate reduces Massey hearing assessments to $1,000 in two cases, allows payment timelines
Summary
In two Massey hearings Jan. 7, the special magistrate reduced administrative assessments to $1,000 each and allowed extended payment schedules (one up to six months; another payment terms discussed), citing compliance and financial hardship.
At the Jan. 7 special magistrate hearing, the magistrate granted relief in two MASSEY (fine‑reduction) matters, reducing administrative assessments to $1,000 in each case and setting payment windows.
In the hearing over 510 Texas Court (CE2025-510), the registered agent and property owner appeared and discussed the property's compliance timeline. Staff presented an administrative-cost estimate of $1,203.63 related to prior fines and enforcement actions. The magistrate reduced the assessed amount to $1,000 and told the owner to coordinate payment with staff; the owner was reminded of a 30‑day right to appeal.
In a separate MASSEY matter at 911 Atlantic Avenue (CE2025-244), the owner, Louette Broom, testified she is on a fixed income. Staff listed administrative costs at $1,210.63; magistrate reduced the assessment to $1,000 and allowed up to six months for payment given the owner's limited monthly surplus and age, while noting the property is now in compliance.
The magistrate emphasized that MASSEY hearings assess administrative costs rather than relitigate the validity of the underlying code violations, and encouraged respondents to stay in contact with staff to arrange payment or documentation needed for title companies.
What’s next: Each respondent must arrange payment with staff within the timelines established or consider the 30-day appeal right to circuit court.
