Hammond board waives late-registration fees for multiple rental-property owners

The Hammond City board on an administrative motion agreed to waive one-time late rental-registration fees for several property owners and set short follow-up steps for payment and inspection.

A committee member moved to waive the late fees after owners explained missed registration deadlines. Gia, who said she owns two buildings at 1724 and 1728 Indianapolis Boulevard, told the board she missed the April filing deadline and asked for leniency; the board waived the penalties and instructed her to complete paperwork and pay at the city office. "I own both the building and then uh I got the month messed up," Gia said.

At 4413 Toll Avenue, Gerardo Palasios translated for his father, Manuel Palasios, who said a first-time renovation caused a one-day delay in registration. The board waived the late fee as a courtesy. Gerardo explained the family had no prior appeals.

Property owner Mark Kokayuk explained that medical appointments led him to miss the deadline for properties at 6730 Colorado (noted in the record as corrected from 7330) and 7115 Marshall; the board waived fees for both properties and walked him through paying after the meeting.

Board members noted that waiving late fees is typically a one-time courtesy and warned repeat late filers will likely face penalties in the future. The hearings were administrative; no formal fines were imposed and owners were told how to finalize payments and records with city staff.