Carroll City Council chambers were again filled with local landlords as another discussion on the draft of a new rental housing code took place Monday night. City staff sought more input from the landlords and the council on changes that need to be made before the draft can be brought back in ordinance form. Transparency was one area landlords had concerns. Dan Kratoska, says his property will pass an inspection, but he wants the city to share the checklist.
The plan will make inspection forms available to property owners. According to City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, fairness to all is also why the conversation has centered around the fee structure.
Several landlords met with a council member, Building and Fire Safety Official, Greg Schreck, and Pogge-Weaver prior to Monday night’s meeting. Councilman, Clay Haley, says there was a consensus from landlords on inspection frequency.
The question of covering one-third of the salary of a housing official with inspection fees or totally through the city’s general fund remains unanswered. Landlord, Margaret Saddoris, says if the employee’s salary was budgeted, the fees should not come into play. She also says an increase in fees would translate to a rise in rental rates throughout Carroll and this is an unfair punishment to an estimated 20 percent of the population. Councilman, Mike Kots, says he was opposed to passing the city’s cost to all taxpayers, but these conversations have brought about a change to that initial thought.
Council member, Jerry Fleshner, reminded all present that this was first-and-foremost an issue of safety for Carroll residents. The city staff will hone the draft to include an incentive for landlords to have fewer inspections if they are found to be in compliance and determine the best fee structure for all involved. This will be brought back to the council at a later date.
