by justin strawser
MOUNT CARMEL - The new landlord registration fee that will be proposed at tonight's borough workshop meeting by Councilman Joseph Lapotsky is intended to replace the $100 registration free already in place.
Lapotsky said he now plans to propose an annual $25 fee per unit instead of keeping a flat flee for each landlord in the borough.
When he introduced the idea of a new fee last month, it was intended to be in addition to the $100, but he says that will now change.
His suggestion has been met with opposition by a number of borough landlords.
By removing the licensing fee and charging landlords per unit, Lapotsky said it will be "more fair and equitable" to those landlords with one property compared to landlords with multiple properties.
'Cry all they want'
While critics have said the borough is out for a money-grab, Lapotsky said it may actually lose money if the new system is implemented.
There are approximately 150 landlords in the borough, so a $100 fee as exists now could generate as much as $15,000, if all fees are collected. With approximately 560 rentals units in the borough and $25 per inspection, the potential total is just $14,000, he said.
"The ones with multiple properties will cry, and they can cry all they want," Lapotsky said. "Let them try to justify the fairness of a flat fee of 100 bucks to me. I can't wait to hear it. They're going to be embarrassed."
He understands that landlords would be upset, but others think it could help fund efforts to fight blight, better the housing market and establish fairness.
"All of the commentary I received on this has been very supportive," he said.
The current ordinance, passed in 2008, requires landlords to pay an annual $100 licensing fee. They also pay $40 for the first inspection of a rental house and $20 for each annual inspection after that. Owners of rental apartments pay $20 for the first inspection and $15 per annual inspection. The inspection fees would remain, Lapotsky said.
Change won't help
Landlord David S. Fantini, of 106 E. Seventh St., who led the charge against Lapotsky's plan with a recent letter to the editor signed by nine landlords, said he has no confidence the new ordinance would be effective.
"By changing it from $100 to $25 per unit, how will that make the housing better?" he said. "As a community, we need a plan to make people accountable for the rental properties that they put on the market. We're for nice housing. We need something that will work."
Lapotsky will be present the topic for discussion at 7:30 p.m. meeting. A first reading of the ordinance or an amendment to the current ordinance could potentially be voted on at Thursday's regular meeting. If accepted, it would have to be advertised before final approval is possible Jan. 17.
Fantini's letter called for landlords to meet at the borough chamber, Fourth and Vine streets, for the meetings.
