Northport Eyes New Fees For Those Who Damage City Property

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council on Monday will hear the first reading of an ordinance change to its municipal code that proposes heightened fees for private entities or individuals who cause damage to city property.

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The proposed ordinance change, which will be put to a Council vote during the Aug. 15 meeting, points out that city property, including water meters and sanitary sewer lines, is frequently damaged by "private parties engaged in for-profit activity."

City officials point out that Northport currently repairs such damage and seeks reimbursement from the party responsible, but only for the materials and on-site labor, which "accounts for only a fraction of the cost to the City."

To help offset the costs of repairing damage, the City Council will consider a minimum administrative fee of $250, which would be in addition to the cost of any contract, materials or labor required to make the repair.

"The purpose of the fee is to recoup the significant costs that the city incurs in discovering, investigating, processing, and communicating in order to be able to respond to and repair damage to city property," the proposal reads.

The next regular meeting of the Northport City Council is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 1 at 5:30 p.m.

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