A Uhrichsville Committee has submitted recommendations to the law director in an effort to draft a new landlord registration fee ordinance.
A December judgment found ordinance 7-20 illegal, so, at this time, no fees can be collected from city rental property owners.
The Ordinance Committee met before the January 9th regular meeting, chaired by Matt Fox, and discussed creating new legislation.
“What we had on the books before wasn’t really up to code. Some people fought us on it, took us to court, and won the battle. I’m under the impression that our wording in that wasn’t correct and if you’re going to collect a fee compared to a tax, that fee has to go to specifically for something [for the rental property]. And we’d like to present [a new legislation recommendation] with Law Director Jeff Merklin and have it listed as an emergency to pass for next council meeting. Jeff is in the loop with what is stipulated, I think there’s nine things listed, and we’re going to be specific. If you can write that up?”
Merklin interjected, “I sent something out today. You know I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Right. We talked it over and we’re going to shoot it at you,” added Fox.
Meanwhile, a landlord asked about what happens now related to the registration, with Law Director Merklin responding.
“I will tell you that it needs to be done correctly. It needs to be done in accordance with the mandates that were set forth by the judge and by the law. It needs to be done right. It’s black and white. There is no fee, and then, if you want to have input on it, you ought to come to the next meeting. It’s a very difficult issue legally so it needs to be drafted correctly and frankly the old one wasn’t, so that’s where we’re at.”
Merklin pointed out that, at this time, any legislation to come before council likely would not be legal based upon Judge Elizabeth’s Thomakos’s judgement stating that a financial analysis of fees is needed.
Additionally, following the city’s lack of response to a request to repay fees, Kevin and Gerald Barker have filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the money they paid into the landlord registration. The city asked the judge to dismiss due to statute of limitations.
Councils next meeting is Thursday, January 23rd, at 7pm.
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