By Bill Oliver
Commerce, TX –
The Commerce City Council unanimously approved changes to an ordinance on keeping yards and ditches mowed, returning regulations to requiring property owners to mow to the curb. For the last few years, one only had to go as far as the property line.
Director of Community Development Steve Wilson said the city issues around 100 courtesy citations a month, and that inspires about 80 to mow. For the 20 or so each month that waits longer than 10 days and do not ask for a time extension, the city hires a contractor to do the mowing. The property owner then pays at least $40 for the mowing plus a $90 administrative fee. After that, a $100 late fee is added. In the worst case scenario, the tab is tacked on as a lien against the property.