Council member warns fines could snowball into foreclosures; police chief stresses due process

During the New Port Richey FY2526 budget work session, a council member raised concerns that repeated unpaid administrative fees (for example mowing or rental-registration fines) can compound over years and, without consistent outreach, risk becoming large sums that could lead to foreclosure in some jurisdictions.

The council member asked the city to be cautious about using penalties that grow over time without regular notice and follow-up. "I don't want us to use the power of government to take property from people," the council member said, urging active outreach and frequent billing steps before enforcement escalates.

Police Chief Cochin and other staff responded that code enforcement’s principal objective is voluntary compliance and that there are procedural safeguards: magistrates—not the enforcement officers—set and assess fines; the city clerk's office issues notices to those with outstanding fines; and state protections prevent foreclosure on homesteaded properties, so many of the cases of concern are rental properties, staff said. Chief Cochin added that the department works with assistance programs and that residents have the right to appeal fines in magistrate hearings.

Council members requested that staff follow up on a specific instance the council member would forward so staff could review the timeline, notices sent and whether procedures were followed. Staff agreed to investigate and report back.

The exchange occurred during departmental budget presentations and did not result in a directive or vote during the work session.