Natchez board adopts resolution to assess cleanup costs, creates fund for adjudicated properties

The Natchez mayor and board on July 28 adopted a resolution authorizing assessment liens and special assessments to recover the city’s cleanup and abatement costs for adjudicated properties and approved placing future receipts into a dedicated code‑enforcement fund.

Sergeant Anjanette Kelly of code enforcement told the board that “currently, code enforcement has 7 unpaid invoices which total $11,457.10” and that the tax assessor’s office would flag properties with outstanding debts before taxes could be paid; she said liens on those properties would begin July 29. The resolution, as read into the record, authorizes liens or special assessments enforceable under Mississippi Code 21‑19‑11 and allows a penalty not to exceed $1,500 or 50% of the actual cleanup cost.

Alderman Hall moved to earmark monies the city receives from adjudicated properties into a code enforcement fund to buy equipment and, when necessary, fund demolition of dangerous structures. The motion was seconded, amended to include demolition of “dangerous structures,” and carried after board discussion about how cleanup work will be coordinated and accounted for. Mayor noted the board must approve adjudications and that work will proceed under code enforcement direction.

Action and next steps: the clerk will spread the resolution on the minutes and the clerk’s office will send show‑cause notices to the last known owners. Sergeant Kelly and city planning staff will prepare details for how receipts and liens will be itemized so funds are handled separately from the general fund. The board recorded the vote as unanimous.