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French Lick council imposes $500 civil penalty on owner of Hicks building
Summary
The council voted to impose a $500 civil penalty for the owner—s failure to comply with a prior unsafe-premises order and directed staff to send a letter and invoice; members cited statutory penalties and collection remedies if unpaid.
The French Lick Town Council voted on July 6 to impose a $500 civil penalty on the owner of the Hicks building after staff reported the owner had not complied with prior orders to remediate unsafe conditions.
Background: Staff described outreach to the owner and attempts to have repairs made; council members said previous contractors were contacted but the property remained noncompliant. The council reviewed statutory authority that permits civil penalties up to $2,500 and additional periodic penalties for ongoing noncompliance.
Motion and outcome: A council member put forward a motion to impose a $500 civil penalty; council discussion considered using a graduated penalty schedule (additional amounts every 90 days if the owner failed to act) and whether to set the amount at the statutory maximum. Ultimately the motion to impose a $500 fine passed on a voice vote and council instructed staff to send a certified letter with an invoice for $500.
What happens next: Staff will issue the notice and invoice and set a compliance timeframe; the council discussed collection options if the fine remains unpaid, including assessing the penalty on the tax roll after statutory notice and time to cure.
