By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

UNADILLA — In a recent meeting of the city council here members discussed the growing list of delinquent taxes.

Over the course of five years, from 2002 to 2007, the amount of outstanding taxes still owed to the city totaled around $27,000. Around 130 residents owe some portion of the delinquent taxes, some on more than one piece of property. The amounts owed vary from person to person, some owing as little as $10 to $20, according to city officials.

With the delinquent list growing the city council is discussing taking different action to collect money owed to the city. In many instances a lien would be taken against the property. A lien shows that someone has a vested interest in a certain property, but city officials say the problem is liens are not actually filed within the court system and many properties are sold with outstanding tax money never collected. Another option that the council is considering is taking out a FIFE to collect the delinquent taxes. A FIFE is much like a lien except they are filed through the Superior Court and are put on record.

Notices are sent out after December 31 of each year with a second notice shortly to follow if no effort to pay has been recorded. Citizens are encouraged to pay the taxes to avoid action being taken.

Also discussed at the meeting was a problem that Unadilla and many surrounding areas face.

It happens everyday. Somebody gets tired of Rover or Fido and what do they do? Do they do the humane thing and find another home for the pet? Or do they put the faithful animal into the family car and drop them off at the nearest dump? Communities are becoming overrun with strays. Unadilla is no different, according to citizens at a recent Unadilla City Council meeting.

For some time now citizens have been complaining about stray dogs invading their neighborhoods and they say they want the city to do something about it. Unfortunately the Flint Humane Society does not have the means to take in such large numbers.

Perry Ivie, new city administrator for the city, says a Department of Agriculture-approved dog pound is needed. He brought the subject before members of the Unadilla City Council during their meeting Tuesday night. The council was in favor of Ivie’s suggestion to approach the county to begin negotiation of a possible county-wide facility that would meet everyone’s needs.

Council also voted to approve the renewal of the Department of Corrections Inmate Contract. The council first discussed providing the equipment needed and making sure it is maintained.

Other topics discussed included:

• The removal of former city administrator Ronnie Brand’s name from the bank signature card and replacing it with Perry Ivie, the new city administrator.

• Land purchase agreement for the EMS station.