FROM:
Management Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Annual Placement of Nuisance Abatement Charges on the Property Tax Rolls
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-096, of the City Council of the City of Fontana, California, directing the placement of Nuisance abatement charges on the property tax bills for collection for FY2025/2026.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• To operate in a businesslike manner by becoming more service oriented.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Fontana enforces nuisance abatement under Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 18, which provides procedures for declaring, noticing, and abating nuisances, and authorizes recovery of costs through liens and special assessments (FMC § 18-19). The costs of nuisance abatement may also be collected under California Government Code §§ 38773, 38773.1, and 38773.5, which allow a city to recover expenses by recording a lien and/or placing the unpaid charges as a direct charge on the property tax roll.
For FY 2025/26, City staff coordinated with the San Bernardino County Auditor/Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) to submit nuisance abatement charges for affected parcels. These charges apply specifically to properties with unpaid nuisance abatement liens as of July 1, 2025. The County accepted the charges for inclusion on the current property tax roll but required that the City Council adopt a confirming resolution meeting the following criteria:
1. Confirmation of governing authority under state law and municipal code.
2. Specific directive to the County ATC to place the charges on the tax roll.
3. Authorization of the total amount, including administrative fees.
The attached resolution satisfies these requirements. Exhibit “A” lists each parcel, including Assessor’s Parcel Number, address, abatement costs, administrative fee, and total charge.
This action does not create any new charges. It is a procedural step to formally confirm Council’s authorization so that the County may complete the billing process.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action ensures that nuisance abatement costs previously incurred by the City are collected through the County property tax system. The County will apply an administrative charge of $0.30 per parcel to the bills. For FY 2025/26, the total amount to be applied is $54,921.72 across 43 properties, which includes administrative costs.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.