TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution directing the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller to include on the 2021-2022 Secured Tax Roll certain levies made pursuant to the provisions of the Long Beach Municipal Code Chapters 8.56, 9.65, 18.20, and 18.21, for weed and debris removal, administrative citations, substandard buildings, and vacant lot and building abatement, in the amount of $297,254. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to direct the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller to collect delinquency charges for weed removal, building abatement, vacant building monitoring, incidental enforcement costs, interest, and lien transfer charges from the responsible property owners through their property tax bills for properties cleaned, abated, and/or monitored from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Interest accrues at an annual rate of 12 percent from the delinquency date through June 30, 2021.
The City is authorized to undertake enforcement activities, assess levies for delinquent charges, and accrue interest pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapters 8.56, 9.65, 18.20, and 18.21, following the specified notification and appeal process. The interest rate charged is cited in LBMC Sections 8.56.130, 9.65.140, 18.21.040, and 18.20.210.
Upon approval by the City Council, the Financial Management Department will forward the adopted Resolution, and the prescribed reporting forms, to the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller, Tax Division, for incorporation into the 2021-2022 County Secured Tax Roll.
Total code enforcement delinquency charges to be placed on the 2021-2022 tax roll are $297,254, inclusive of interest, representing 139 properties. Unless noted, all delinquent charges relate to the Code Enforcement Bureau in the Development Services Department. These are comprised of:
a) Weed removal and cleaning charges including interest in the amount of $1,151 levied against one listed property (see Resolution Exhibit A);
b) Administrative citation charges including interest in the amount of $245,897 levied against 105 listed properties (see Resolution Exhibit B);
c) Substandard building charges including interest in the amount of $817 levied against one listed property (see Resolution Exhibit C): and,
d) Vacant lot and building abatement charges including interest in the amount of $49,389 levied against 32 listed properties (see Resolution Exhibit D).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on June 23, 2021 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on June 26, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 20, 2021, as the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller requires receipt of the authorized lien assessment by July 31, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller will be requested to collect $297,254 with the annual property taxes. Depending on the actual revenue collected by Los Angeles County, the recovered amount will be deposited in the General Fund Group in the Development Services Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN GROSS
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
OSCAR W. ORCI
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER