§ 23-7. Liens.

(a)

Periodically, but not less frequently than quarterly the county manager shall cause to be presented to the board of county commissioners an inventory of all lots upon which invoices for abatement of junk, trash and/or debris have remained unpaid for longer than thirty (30) days after the date of the invoice.

(b)

Upon approval by the board of county commissioners, each unpaid invoice shall become a lien on the lot(s) subject to the abatement proceedings and shall bear interest at twelve (12) percent per annum until satisfied. The board shall cause such liens to be recorded in the official records of the county. All said liens shall be co-equal with the lien of taxes, superior in dignity to all other liens, titles and claims until paid. The board of county commissioners may cause to be brought the necessary judicial proceedings to enforce such lien, with all accrued interest thereon, together with all legal costs incurred, including reasonable attorney's fees. In the enforcement or foreclosure of any such lien, service of process against unknown or nonresident defendants may be had by publication as provided by law. Foreclosure proceedings shall be prosecuted to a sale or conveyance of the lot.

(c)

Liens provided for hereby shall be liens against real property and not the personal debt of the owner. In cases where the real property is conveyed, it shall be the responsibility of the parties to the transaction to arrange for satisfaction of the lien among themselves. The lien shall run with the land.

(d)

The board of county commissioners retains the right at any time to settle, compromise, remit or adjust any claim, lien, invoice or assessment and any interest thereon, or allow payment by installments.

(Ord. No. 99-19, § 7, 6-28-99; Ord. No. 02-25, § 1, 8-19-02)