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.