Senate Passes Bill Authorizing City to Add Unpaid Code Violation Fines to Homeowner’s Property Tax Bill

Senator John A. DeFrancisco today announced that his legislation (S4512-A), which would give the city of Syracuse the authority to add unpaid code violation penalties, costs and fines to the property tax bill of the homeowner, passed the Senate.

“By allowing the uncollected fees to be added to the property tax bill of the homeowner, it will reduce the administrative costs associated with collecting delinquent fines,” said Senator DeFrancisco.

The city of Syracuse currently has the authority to seek a judgment for unpaid housing code violation penalties. If this bill is passed by the Assembly and signed by the Governor, the city will be granted the authority to add the uncollected judgment to the property tax bill of the homeowner if, after one year, the judgment has not been paid.

“We cannot afford to allow homeowners and landlords to ignore code violations and penalties, and this bill will help the city to enforce payment,” concluded Senator DeFrancisco.