Grant City Council adopts ordinance letting city recover code‑enforcement costs; approves summary publication

The Grant City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the city to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and abatement costs associated with code enforcement, and to assess unpaid amounts against a property owner’s tax roll after the statutory appeal period. City Attorney Amanda Johnson told the council the ordinance clarifies the city’s ability to pursue the full range of enforcement tools — including administrative warrants when required — and to collect associated costs following successful enforcement actions.

Several council members asked about a phrase in draft language describing court action as appropriate only in "rare and extreme circumstances." Members suggested removing or revising that phrase to make clear the ordinance contemplates a step‑by‑step process in which letters, notices and inspections precede court action. Johnson agreed the language could be tightened and confirmed the ordinance's core effect is to permit cost recovery rather than change the day‑to‑day enforcement sequence.

The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance language as discussed. It then unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑11 to authorize summary publication of the ordinance (publication of a summary rather than the full text to save costs). The council accepted staff assurances that the city’s existing enforcement practices remain in place and that this ordinance primarily clarifies the mechanism for recouping costs after the council or a court determines an enforcement action is justified.