Ward 1 Alderman Ron Johnson said too many Yazoo City rental property owners are allowing their tenants to “trash neighborhoods.”
Johnson said it’s a common problem when someone purchases a house to use as rental property but doesn’t require the tenants to keep the property clean. Johnson said not only is it unsightly, but the problem is also likely to bring down the value of surrounding properties.
“Most homeowners usually keep their property pretty well maintained, but then somebody buys a rental house, and people just come in there and trash it,” Johnson said. “We need to put pressure on those landlords.”
During the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting, Monday Johnson said he would like to see tougher laws holding landlords accountable.
Building Inspector Russ Carter said that an existing city ordinance already allows the city to cite nuisance property owners, including rental property owners.
Mayor Diane Delaware said the challenge isn’t enacting new laws. She said the problem is trying to keep up with the high number of people violating city ordinances regarding keeping their properties clean.
Delaware said that the city went so long without enforcing the rules that it’s not easy to get many residents to comply.
“We’re talking cultural change here,” Delaware said. “We are talking about changing something that has been done for many years.”
Delaware said the city has to keep working to encourage people to keep their property clean, and elected officials must be firm with the rules rather than trying to please everyone.
“Getting there is going to be like being a referee,” Delaware said. “Some people are going to be angry when you make that call, and some people are going to cheer. We have to create a desire for people to take pride in their properties while at the same time enforcing our ordinances.”
“We have to start somewhere,” Johnson said.
In other business during Monday’s meeting:
* The board observed a moment of silence in memory of Andrew Carter, a longtime employee of the Community Center.
Brent said that Carter was also well known for his athletic ability.
“He was an exceptional football player,” Brent said. “All of the young folks looked up to him, and he could catch a football in the dark.”
* Molly McNair was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.
* The board learned that four garbage trucks the city no longer needs were auctioned well above the reserve prices. The two newer trucks were reserved at $37,000, and both sold for over $55,000. The two older trucks were reserved for $17,000, and both sold for over $30,000.
* Delaware thanked everyone involved in the Christmas Parade and everyone who attended.
“It was beautiful, and there were no problems whatsoever,” she said.
“It was wonderful,” Ward 3 Alderman Rev. Gregory Robertson said.
