The purpose of this chapter is to provide a
schedule of reasonable attorneys' fees for performance of certain
activities necessary to collect municipal claims and liens on behalf
of the Township. These attorneys' fees shall be collectible by the
Township in the event that they are incurred in the collection of
any claim or lien resulting from the failure of any property owner
to pay amounts required by law for taxes, municipal improvements,
removal of nuisances, water rents or rates, sewer rates and lighting
rates and any other assessable or lienable Township services. In addition
to these fees, any and all costs incurred by the Township with respect
to collection and enforcement of a municipal claim or lien shall be
due in addition to the underlying claim or lien.
[Amended 9-8-1998 by Ord. No. 394]
Attorneys' fees imposed in proceedings to recover
any delinquent municipal claim or enforce any municipal lien will
be equal to the time expended in the collection matter multiplied
by the then current hourly rate that the Solicitor charges the Township
on other matters. The Township approves this schedule and finds it
to be fair and reasonable for the services to be rendered and shall
impose these fees upon the property owner in proceedings to recover
delinquent municipal claims and liens, together with all costs, penalties,
expenses and interest incurred.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 539]
The fees set forth herein for attorneys’
fees related to collection of Township claims and liens shall be in
addition to and not in limitation of sums permitted to be collected
under any other laws and shall be in addition to interest, where permitted.
Interest will be charged at a rate of 10% per annum on all liens filed
by East Norriton Township except in the event of a lien filed to recover
a property owner’s assessment associated with a public project
for which the Township has obtained financing. In such event, the
lesser of 12% per annum or the financing rate will be applied.