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Resident says lien and missed magistrate notice left him with thousands in fines
Summary
Robert Duquette told commissioners he bought a house and later learned a code‑enforcement lien and fines had been recorded after closing; staff said the magistrate order predated purchase and the commission agreed to pull the consent item while staff investigates so the resident can appear before the special magistrate.
Robert Duquette addressed the board during public comment about fines and a lien recorded against a property he purchased.
"I didn't know anything about it…I'm in the middle of battling terminal cancer," Duquette said, describing how a certified notice went to his Maryland address and he missed the special‑magistrate hearing. He said the county later reduced the fines but he still faced a sizable charge and had paid $2,500 to clear vegetation and debris.
County staff and the clerk reviewed the file and told the board the magistrate order had been signed previously and that there were timing issues with the recording. The chair asked staff to pull the related consent‑agenda item and give the resident and staff additional time to review and reschedule a hearing so Duquette can appear before the special magistrate.
