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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Siskiyou County Grand Jury
• 2013-2014
Dunsmuir Public Utilities Practices
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 3 findings
F1
Page 20
The City of Dunsmuir sponsibilities and options of prop- A parcel of foreclosed commercial became apparent and threatened to being investigated by the Grand billing procedures appear to have erty owners. Put into place a property was purchased at auction. delay closing. In order to facilitate Jury. It was also clear that City staff limited ability to correctly identify, standard billing procedure with the The previous property owners owed transfer of the property the seller felt that this case could have been bill and collect for garbage, sewer purpose of assuring the new owner the City of Dunsmuir for past sewer, was forced to enter into an agree- handled much differently. The and water services with respect to receives bills in a timely manner. water and garbage services. The ment with the City of Dunsmuir Grand Jury was also assured that fil- the current property owner. Lack of complainant asserted that the city with regard to escrow closing costs. ing liens to collect sewer, water and communication with new property
F2
Page 20
The new owner was not commercial property changing own- tion. tween the beginning of foreclosure against the complainant’s property. billed for services allegedly owed. ership. proceedings and the close of escrow. During our fact-finding, it became Findings /
F3
Page 20
In this instance the City attempted to collect, through es- Those funds were ultimately recov- garbage fees is not a normal or de- owners has caused constant confu- of Dunsmuir filed an untimely lien, crow, the outstanding sewer, water ered from the City, although small sired practice. sion and expense for both the City rendering it invalid. and garbage charges owed by the claims court action was required. and new owner causing a great deal previous owners, causing costly The Grand Jury was also advised of dismay for both.
Recommendations 3
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R1Page 20Notify new should be reviewed for legitimacy, services for water and sewer were clarify and resolve the pertinent is- to update procedures for billing and property owners of their rights, re- approved and signed off by more billed incorrectly. The complainant sues. collections regarding services pro- sponsibilities and options concern- than one person before filing. vided by the city. did not seek any financial remedies. ing sewer, water and garbage The remedy requested was that the Procedures collection immediately upon sale of RESPONSE REQUESTED Conclusions City acknowledge their wrongful After receiving and reviewing the property. Timely communication The City of Dunsmuir Mayor or his practices and correct them so no fur- complaint, the Grand Jury inter- 1.The City of Dunsmuir attempted would eliminate the majority of con- designate is requested to respond to ther property transfers would be viewed the complainant who pro- to collect money from the wrong fusion, unnecessary lawsuits and this report pursuant to California treated in the same manner. vided additional documentation. property owner. liens that have been ongoing for Penal Code 933.05. 20— 2012 - 2013 SISKIYOU COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT
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R2Page 20Properly train Background Upon attempting to resell the prop- apparent that the current administra- all personnel about the rights, re- erty and convey clear title, the lien tion was familiar with the issue
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R3Page 20Put into place delays in reselling the property. The In response to the complaint, the that a review of policy and proce- procedures for approving a lien. It complainant further asserted that Grand Jury undertook to address, dures is being currently undertaken