City: New blighted property law working

NATCHEZ — Natchez officials think they have figured out a way to persuade people to clean up their unsightly properties — hit in the pocket book.

City Planner Bob Nix told the Natchez Board of Aldermen that the city has seen a larger percentage of voluntary compliance from blighted property owners. Some are demolishing their own properties or cutting their own grass before the city does.

Nix gives a lot of the credit to the city raising the maximum penalty to $1,500. Nix said before the fine increase, property owners often paid less to have their property demolished by the city.

Now, owners are charged $1,500 plus direct costs, legal fees and overhead, according to the Natchez Democrat.

Source: Natchez Democrat