02-B Comprehensive Plan - Laserfiche WebLink

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Comprehensive Plan, City of Paris, Texas Municipal Services and Natural Features Projected future expenses 1999-2004 Additional personnel 2 Demolition expense $250,000 annually Mowing expense $125,000 annually Cleaning of lots $100,000 annually Additional Equipment (1.) Chipper (2.) Dump truck (3.) Trash truck (4.) DozerBack Hoe Dilapidated Structures and Code Enforcement Programs The delinquent property in the City continues to grow with about one tax sale of approximately 15 properties per year. The City condemned 85 structures in 1998, adding approximately 60 delinquent properties to the maintenance list. The City averaged 75 structure demolitions per year during the mid-1990's. Mowing and other maintenance is provided to over 500 lots and there are 802 vacant lots within the City that are delinquent in payments, and owners are not known. Cost per lot for mowing is $30.00. The cost for mowing is over $60,000.00 a year as of 1998. The City had 88 structures condemned in 1998. Of these, over 60 will have to be torn down by the City of Paris because of deceased owners, out-of-town owners, or owners who are judged to be financially unable to comply. It costs approximately $2,500.00 to remove a house and dispose of it. Cost for removal of the 88 structures was estimated at approximately $150,000.00. The Code Enforcement Officer had a working list of structures prepared for future condemnation as of 1998 that numbered 102 structures, most dilapidated beyond repair. The cost for this group of structures was estimated to be $275,000.00 The Codes Enforcement Department reports that condemnation and demolition is a tremendous burden to the neighborhoods and is a strain on City finances. In spite of tremendous effort, the department had difficulty keeping up with demand. The department anticipates the need for a program designed to save selected structures before they become dilapidated and by whatever means available. The code has to be tightly managed including proper enforcement and the support of assistance programs. A cooperative effort has to be established which teams the City with other organizations and programs into a single purpose, in the estimation of the department. Support groups include: • Housing Authority, • Community Development Block Grants, • Christians in Action, • The Salvation Army, $:V8288\WPN'mal repurt 2-0I.Joc 28 BWR