Wheeling will try to recoup upkeep costs for foreclosed homes

Homeowners are the only ones being hit hard by foreclosures - towns are often left having to maintain the vacant properties.

In Wheeling, which currently has about 35 vacant homes, the village board has decided the village will try to recoup the cost of upkeep - garbage removal and cutting overgrown grass, weeds, shrubbery and bushes.

Until now, the village has issued liens against foreclosed properties for fees like outstanding water bills, grass cutting and garbage collection. Those liens are often dismissed in bankruptcy court.

Now, when a violation occurs, a notice will be posted on the property and sent to the last known owner of record as well as the lender.

Village officials say they will not go after the homeowner, but instead try to work out an agreement with the lender to pay those fees.

"Down the road, we'll look to create another vehicle to collect, but we don't have one yet," Village Administrator Mark Rooney said.

If that fails, the village may pass an ordinance that would give it additional authority to issue citations and hold mortgage companies liable. It would allow the village to recoup the costs by assessing a fee when the property is eventually sold, Village Attorney Jim Wargo said.

Wargo said other municipalities have tried issuing citations against property owners through ordinances.

"In light of the current foreclosure situation, many towns are bracing for an increased number," Wargo said. "Liens are often wiped off so that's why we are (considering) the more complicated ordinance."