There shall be an automatic weed removal charge of one hundred
fifty dollars ($150.00) for city administrative processing expenses
each time the violation occurs. In addition, a contractor-per-hour
fee approved by the city manager will be charged for each cutting
and shall be levied, assessed and collected against such property
each time such cutting, raking and removal of said weeds shall be
performed. In the event that there are unusual obstructions such as
trees, shrubs, bushes, brush, excavations, foundations of demolished
structures, or any other similar impediment, an additional charge
can be levied, assessed and collected against such premises for the
actual additional cost resulting from said obstructions. The charges
provided for herein shall be levied, assessed, and collected by the
director of code services of the City of DeSoto [who] will file, with
county clerk of Dallas County, Texas, a statement setting out the
expenses that the city has incurred pursuant to the provisions of
this article, and the City of DeSoto shall thereby perfect a privileged
lien on the property involved, second only to tax liens and liens
for street improvements, to secure the expense to the city, together
with ten (10) percent interest from the date which payment is due.
(1995 Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Article 21.000)