City Responsibilities

Let’s go over it again. I have submitted several “City Hall’er” articles over the last couple of years asking city residents to be respectful of neighbors and keep their properties presentable.

Out of town folks travel through Ritzville occasionally, looking to relocate a business or buy a home, with the same complaint: “I don’t want to buy next to a junky neighbor.”

As a result the community misses economic and additional resident opportunities affecting employment, schools, businesses and other impacts.

What should the city use taxes and utility payments for?

We are stewards of your public monies and therefore responsible to keep your community safe and pleasant for all residents. We maintain streets, water, sewer, garbage, parks, cemeteries and a host of other services for you.

Some folks choose to respond with overgrown yards, junk vehicles, old appliances, unpermitted fences and buildings and illegal animals.

We have ordinances for all these things, but have been tolerant up to now.

Since the complaints to City Hall are constant and repetitive, the city will increase enforcement of these laws, including fees, fines, mitigation actions and possible collection efforts.

You can choose to maintain your property or do nothing.

If we are forced to step in you will have costs from the city that can lien your property or other legal action. Your neighbors are fed up and demanding the city take action.