Home: From the Mayor

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK:

As Mayor of this historic city, comes great responsibility.  The responsibility is not only in the overseeing of everyday operations, such as Works Department, Sewer Department, Police Department, and Fire Department.  There is also a responsibility that must be recognized and that is the importance of ensuring a safe and clean environment for its citizens.  In today’s economic times, my office has been receiving more and more foreclosures on property once occupied by the citizens of this community.  It would be a simple matter, if the foreclosing institutions were local agencies, however; a vast majority of the banks and finance companies are from across the county.  A person may borrow money from a local establishment to purchase their home/business.  That loan note then, in some cases is purchased from agencies across the country.  When the property becomes vacant, the lenders fail to keep the property maintained, thereby; allowing the property to become a nuisance in the City of Shepherdsville.  Therefore; in recent weeks I have instructed the City Attorney, to write an ordinance that will protect the citizens of this community.  On the 14^th of this month, an amendment to Nuisance Ordinance, was voted on and passed.  Under this new ordinance the city will be able to enter onto property, and take whatever; corrective action necessary to bring the property into line with the City Codes.  Charges for the nuisance abatement shall then be passed on to the lawful owner of the property, not the tax payers.  Whenever a bill for charges remains unpaid for sixty days after the due date, the Code Enforcement Officer or his designee may file with the County Clerk a statement of liens claim.  Of course, the city work crew is foremost responsible for the everyday upkeep of the city, roads, drainage, etc.  As time allows I have instructed my works foremen to begin the mowing of these foreclosed/abandoned properties.  As if this date we have cut and trimmed over a dozen pieces of property, that would have otherwise gone without maintenance.  My office is continuing to condemn and remove dwellings that are a nuisance to the community, being a fire/safety hazard, etc.   Shepherdsville is a beautiful River City; we have a great history as a community.  It is up to each and every one of us to preserve our community, and to provide our neighbors with a place that they can be proud to call home.  If we work together as a team we can and will accomplish our goal.

Respectfully

Sherman Tinnell

Mayor