Title
Resolution for Approval of an Interlocal Agreement for Waiver of Service Process for Minimum Housing Code Cases
Body
Department: Neighborhood Development and Office of the City Attorney
Council District: All
Public Hearing: No
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: Elizabeth Benton 373-2208
Contact 2 and Phone: Terri Jones 373-2320
PURPOSE:
Requesting City Council approve resolution to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Guilford County Tax Department in order to create cost savings for both agencies with regard to certified mailings for legal service on Minimum Housing Cases.
BACKGROUND:
The Guilford County Tax Department is considered a party of interest on approximately 13% of all minimum housing code cases where property taxes are also delinquent. As a result, Code Compliance staff routinely sends certified and first class mailings to the Guilford County Tax Department, as required by Chapter 11 of City Ordinance and NC General Statutes, in order to obtain legal process service for all parties of interest on each minimum housing code case. The estimated hard costs for these mailings is approx. $6,690 per year; not including staff time for the City and the County Tax Department for sending and signing for each certified letter received.
In an effort to reduce costs for both local government agencies, the Office of the City Attorney along with the Guilford County Tax Department office have prepared a memorandum of understanding whereby the County would waive their notice requirements and agree to accept service or notice of process by a mutually agreed to alternative means.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Cost savings from reduced mailing costs and staff time.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Neighborhood Development and the Office of the City Attorney recommend and request approval of the resolution to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Guilford County Tax Department for a waiver of service process.
COMMITTEE ACTION: This item was referred to Council by the Community Services Committee.