HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9
(By Delegates Morgan, Martin, Argento, Caputo, Eldridge,
Hartman, Higgins, D. Poling, Staggers, Swartzmiller,
Talbott, Canterbury, C. Miller, Porter and Rowan)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
means for municipalities to deal with uninhabitable and/or
abandoned structures and properties in municipalities and
develop workable procedures.
Whereas, Uninhabited and abandoned properties not only have
negative aesthetic qualities, but they may be hazardous to the
surrounding community; and
Whereas, The municipality may condemn and demolish the
property, but it cannot obtain reimbursement for the demolition
costs; and
Whereas, Allowing a municipality to sell the property to
satisfy the lien and retain some of the money from the sale may be
a means to help the municipality recover its costs; and
Whereas, Developing means for municipalities to deal with
uninhabitable and abandoned structures and properties is in the
best interest of the citizens of that municipality; and
Whereas, Rehabilitating abandoned or uninhabitable structures
and properties will increase property values; and
Whereas, Increasing property value will help the state through
increasing property taxes; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study means for municipalities to deal with
uninhabitable and/or abandoned structures and properties in
municipalities and develop workable procedures; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2009, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct the
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
NOTE: This resolution is recommended by the Joint Standing
Committee on Government Organization for adoption during the 2008
Regular Session.