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Supervisors push for funding and stronger enforcement for homeless encampment cleanup
Summary
Supervisors urged more funding for cleanup and stronger enforcement (liens, receivership) after presentations that Measure R funds and a lien repayment fund have supported recent abatement projects; staff said some costs are recovered but many liens exceed property values.
Board members pressed code enforcement staff and others about funding and enforcement strategies for homeless encampment cleanup near Waldo and other locations. Code enforcement reported Measure R funds allocated for vehicle abatement and remaining Measure R and project funds available for cleanup work at specific sites such as South Bend and Olive Street.
Staff said some abatement costs have been recouped through liens and a lien repayment fund that has grown (staff referenced upward of $150,000 in the fund), but acknowledged many properties are worth less than the liens and the county sometimes cannot fully recover costs. Staff noted receivership began in 2023 as an additional tool to secure cleanup and, where successful, can recoup some fees, though tax sale rules and priority of taxes can limit recovery.
Supervisors urged the board to consider additional funding or to seek state and federal grants for environmental cleanup of contaminated sites, and to explore stricter property owner accountability where legally permitted. Code enforcement also asked the board to consider follow‑up funding for ongoing cleanup needs associated with the new homeless shelter.
Representative quote: "We have $50,000 that was allocated for vehicle abatement... that's going to be super helpful for us, and I know that will help on some of the homeless encampment issues for sure." — Staff (code enforcement).
