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Council fixes $74,481.25 in nuisance mowing assessments; updates solid‑waste 28E agreement
Summary
Council approved Resolution No. 22 to fix mowing assessments for 125 properties totaling $74,481.25 and adopted an amended 28E agreement with Wapello County for the jointly managed landfill and recycling center, forwarding the agreement to the Secretary of State once both entities adopt it.
Ottumwa City Council adopted Resolution No. 22, 2026, fixing special assessments to recover 2024 nuisance mowing and weed‑mowing costs. Planning coordinator Jake reported the contractor mowed 125 properties in 2024 and the total assessed charges, including administrative fees, are $74,481.25. Staff explained unpaid assessments are placed on property tax rolls and may be collected through the tax‑sale process if owners do not pay.
Councilors asked how assessments are charged and collected; staff said the city contracts mowing work to a vendor (J&J) and that unpaid assessments are added to tax levies. For some vacant properties, collection is difficult because owners have vacated the property and tax sales may create perpetual ownership issues.
The council also approved Resolution No. 23, 2026, adopting the revised 28E agreement between the city and Wapello County that governs the solid‑waste commission overseeing the landfill and recycling center. Administrator Wrath said Allers & Cooney assisted with drafting updates and that both the city and county must adopt the revisions before the document is filed with the Secretary of State.
