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Consideration of Request Submitted by Jesus M. Ariza, Jr., to Reduce Outstanding Special Master Order in Code Enforcement Case for Improper Watering
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
On May 23, 2025, a Code Enforcement Officer issued a citation to Jesus M. Ariza, Jr., for improper watering observed on May 9, 2025. The citation indicated that the fine was $100 and that a hearing on the offense would be held on August 20, 2025, unless payment was received prior to that date. Although proper service of the citation was made, Mr. Ariza did not appear at the hearing. The Special Master subsequently found Mr. Ariza guilty and imposed a penalty of $250 with added costs making the total due $471.74. When payment of the order was not received, it was recorded as a lien in Book 4709, Page 1561 of the Public Records of Hernando County.
On May 4, 2026, Mr. Ariza submitted a request that the Board forgive all of the assessed costs and additional penalty above the initial fine amount of $100 which he is willing to pay at this time. According to his written request, he was unaware of the citation and hearing because of a language barrier within his household. Mr. Ariza's written request is attached.
Should the Board vote to grant the request to forgive $371.74 and allow Mr. Ariza to pay the initial fine of $100, the Chairman should be authorized to sign the attached Partial Release of Lien and direct the Clerk's Finance Division to issue the petitioner a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 in the amount forgiven as cancellation of a debt.
Neither the Board nor staff will need to take any further action should the vote be to deny the request for reduction of the lien amount.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The financial impact would be the potential future collection of the full outstanding amount or forgiving and canceling the outstanding amount, depending on the decision.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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