This chapter shall apply to all municipal claims allowed and
authorized by the law of the commonwealth to be assessed by Vandergrift
Borough, including but not limited to liens for taxes and for municipal
improvements, for the removal of nuisances, and for water rents or
rates, sewage rates, lighting rates and power rates to the fullest
extent authorized by law (hereinafter "delinquent accounts"), whether
heretofore or hereafter assessed or filed.
The following schedule of attorneys' fees is to be utilized
and followed in the assessment of attorneys' fees in the collection
of any delinquent account, and the corresponding fees shall be added
and included in the collection of the same at the time of the filing
of the municipal claim by or for Vandergrift Borough or as soon thereafter
as may be convenient or proper:
Claim Amount
|
Attorneys' Fees
|
---|
Under $1,000
|
$250
|
$1,000 to $2,500
|
$500
|
$2,501 to $5,000
|
$1,000
|
$5,001 to $7,500
|
$1,500
|
$7,501 to $10,000
|
$2,000
|
$10,001 to $25,000
|
$2,500
|
Over $25,000
|
10% of the claim amount
|
Prior to assessing or imposing attorneys' fees in connection
with a delinquent account, Vandergrift Borough shall provide notice
of Vandergrift Borough's intention to assess or impose attorneys'
fees in connection with this chapter, as may be required by the Act
of May 16, 1923, P.L. 207, No. 153, as amended or supplemented, 53
P.S. § 7106.
In all proceedings where a municipal claim is filed as a lien
against real property for delinquent accounts which are the subject
of this chapter, interest equal to 10% per annum shall be assessed
and accrue on the claim from the date of the completion of the work
after it is filed as a lien; and on claims for taxes, water rents
or rates, lighting rates or sewer rates, from the date of the filing
of the lien therefor; provided, however, that if a municipal claim
is filed arising out of a municipal project which required Vandergrift
Borough to issue bonds to finance the project, interest shall accrue
and be collectible on such claim at the rate of interest of the bond
issue or at the rate of 12% per annum, whichever is less. No notice
prior to the assessment or imposition of interest as set forth herein
shall be required. Such interest shall be added to the municipal claim
and collected therewith.
In all proceedings where a municipal claim is filed as a lien
against real property for delinquent accounts which are subject of
this chapter, a penalty equal to 5% of the delinquent account shall
be added to the municipal claim and collected therewith when the delinquent
account remains unpaid for 90 days after the assessment shall have
been levied, or as soon thereafter as may be convenient or proper.
No notice prior to the assessment or the imposition of a penalty as
set forth herein shall be required.