City passes ordinances to claim unpaid fines
Evanston, Ill., has adopted two ordinances to claim more than $429,000 in unpaid fines from property owners and other residents. Beginning next month, property owners who owe the city money will not be allowed to purchase transfer stamps (i.e., certification that allows owners to sell their properties) from the City Clerk’s Office. Also, any individual who owes the city money will be denied all city privileges, including purchasing city vehicle stickers and beach tokens.
In addition to collecting unpaid fines, the city is attempting to end rapid slumlord changeover by prohibiting property owners from transferring ownership until after fines are paid. Some landlords that violate property standards continue to collect rent from their tenants and then sell their properties rather than make improvements and pay their fines, according to Wayne Moran, director of Evanston’s Administrative Hearings. Often, the new landlords have no intention of improving the properties, either.
While slumlords are a big problem in the city, more than half of the total unpaid fines is a result of unpaid parking tickets, according to Moran. Other unpaid fines include violations of zoning, and building and fire code; public passenger vehicle violations; unlicensed businesses; and violations of health regulations and animal leash laws.