Granite City - Revises law on liens to cover trash cleanup

The Granite City Council has approved an ordinance tweaking its law authorizing the filing of liens against owners of neglected properties to cover the cost of trash cleanup. The council approved a lien form meant to comply with state law that requires cities to clearly indicate specific details, such as the legal description of the property to be cleaned up and the amount of the lien claim.

Cleanup charges are $250 for a lot that is 1,250 square feet or less; $500 for a lot that is between 1,251 and 2,500 square feet; and $750 for larger lots. City officials say the liens are targeted at eradicating eyesore properties, some of which are in neighborhoods where property values already aren't that high.