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City of Dunedin to consider capping some code enforcement fees after backlash over $80K, $30K fines

Posted at 6:32 AM, Feb 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-04 07:34:47-05

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dunedin city leaders will consider capping fees for some code enforcement fines during a Tuesday work session.

The consideration comes after a new report says capping fees would “show a willingness to soften the aggressive blow of extremely high fines.”

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In January, ABC Action News told you about this Dunedin homeworker who is fighting $81,000 in fines for overgrown grass and a cluttered yard.

Ann Lokey said she was blindsided by the crippling bill.

"I was totally stunned," said Lokey. "I can't pay that. There's no way."

We also reported on another home own last May, who was fined nearly $30,000 for overgrown grass.

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The report city leaders are set to discuss suggests clarifying how long code enforcement should give a person to correct the violation before they’re fined.

It also looks at how other cities handle fines and recommends city leaders consider capping fees to eliminate outrageous fines and create a standard procedure for all cases.

The city commission work session starts at 9 a.m.