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Newport property task force collects $178,000 in delinquent taxes and fines, earns commission praise


A property task force that was formed last year by the City of Newport has collected $178,000 delinquent property taxes and unpaid fees and fines.

“You’ve done a great job,” Newport commissioner Beth Fennell told Newport assistant attorney John Hayden during a recent city commission meeting. “This is $178,000 we otherwise would not have had.”

Led by Hayden, the property task force includes the city’s code enforcement, finance, police, public works and legal departments and has received support from the city clerk’s office as well.

“I appreciate the Board (of City Commissioners) approving and moving forward with this program,” said Newport city manager Tom Fromme. “The task force has been a success and its work will continue.”

The task force targets problem properties, which are defined as homes and apartments that fall into one or more of the following categories:

  • Delinquent taxes
  • Unpaid fines
  • Frequent police calls
  • Liens
  • Persistent complaints
  • No rental license

Hayden said he uses a variety of methods to contact and engage property owners, including letters, phone calls and meetings. Legal action is also an option, but so far he has only had to file two lawsuits against property owners to collect money owed to the city.

“Most people, once they are contacted, want to work out a resolution,” Hayden said.

City of Newport


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