City hires TCG to go after abandoned properties

Cleaning abandoned properties, adjusting the sign ordinance, and the possible end of the personal property tax were among the items discussed at the Clarendon City Council’s meeting last Thursday, October 25.

Danny Barrett addressed the board on behalf of Texas Communities Group regarding ways the city can clean up abandoned properties and get them back on the tax rolls.
TCG pursues properties through the foreclosure process after five years of non-payment of property taxes or three years of non-payment of taxes if the property has a history of code compliance issues. Barrett said TCG had successfully gotten 77 of 100 properties in Paducah back on the tax roll using this method and gotten $25,000 in revenue for that city.

City Administrator David Dockery said the proposal is a good way to help clean up the community.

“When (Code Officer) Grett (Betts) brought this to me, I thought it was a great benefit to the community,” Dockery said. “Every city I’ve talked to said it is a great program.”
Aldermen approved a $2,500 contract with TCG to work on abandoned properties in the city.

The council also heard an update from Dockery about possible changes to the sign ordinance recommended by a committee of business people. Dockery said the committee is recommending a limited number of temporary “event” signs as exception to the city’s ban on “off premise” signs. The proposal would allow the Whistle Stop Trade Days to still put up a limited number of temporary signs each month if certain guidelines were met.

Dockery asked the council not to take action on the changes last week as Alderman Larry Jeffers was absent from the meeting, and Dockery also wants businesses to have a chance to see the proposed changes. The city’s attorney will also be reviewing the recommendations.

Judy Thomas addressed the council expressing her interest in being appointed to fill a vacant seat on the council. Dockery later informed the council that the city wants everyone to have a chance to express their interest in the position by submitting a letter and résumé to City Hall.

Dockery also updated the council on the USDA water infrastructure project and said contractors will soon be very busy ditching and laying pipe. He said additional interruptions in water service are possible due to boring being done in some areas and the inability to see existing pipes.

The administrator also talked about the city’s airport board and said City Hall is reviewing the qualifications and resolutions governing the airport board and that new members need to be appointed.

Dockery also talked in his administrative report about the possibility of redirecting the half-cent sales tax currently dedicated to property tax reduction to the city’s general revenue, an idea that is part of a discussion about possibly repealing the city’s personal property tax. Dockery is gathering more information about the idea. City officials know the personal property tax is unpopular but also have to keep the stability of city revenues in mind when contemplating eliminating the tax.