Commission Forgives Code Lien In Sympathetic Move

November 7, 2008

In an unusual and sympathetic move, the Escambia County Commission voted Thursday night to forgive a code enforcement lien against a North Escambia man for code violations at his home on Highway 168.

“Because he is…illiterate, disabled and financially unable to pay the full amount of the lien, his sister has asked on his behalf that his lien be waived,” County Attorny Alison Rogers told commissioners.

Jeffery K. Godwin was issued a notice of violation in June 2004 for problems on his property at 3750 Highway 168 and given 14 days to cleanup the property. He did abate (fix) the problems on the last day of that 14 day period.

He was assessed a $675 administrative hearing fee, but was never charge any additional fines since the problem was rectified. Godwin’s piece of property has a value of $8,781, according to county records.

Godwin’s sister, Cathy Scott, asked the commission on Godwin’s behalf to forgive the $675 lien against the property.

“It’s asking for your sympathies with regards to his physical and mental condition,” Rogers told commissioners.

“The issue is that he abated it,” Commissioner Grover Robinson said. “Because of his other issues, I’m willing to look at it due to the fact that he did abate it on his own.”

“it is unusual for us to do this, and by no means do I believe that this is precedent setting,” Robinson added

Comments

3 Responses to “Commission Forgives Code Lien In Sympathetic Move”

  1. chuck on November 8th, 2008 2:12 pm

    I didnt know that and now i’m ticked off about it. Maybe the BOCC was not told of this guys past, either way it’s just not right. I stand corrected Jay, thanks for that. Oh and BOCC ,please dont forgive any more pedophile’s debts.

  2. Jay on November 7th, 2008 9:44 pm

    Yeah, real nice guy, NOT! Check out the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website for registered sexual offenders.

    http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/offenderSearchNav.do

    Guess who you’ll find? Jeffery K. Godwin, guilty of Floirda Statute 800.04 Lewdly Fondle Or Assault, Commit Or Simulate Sexual Acts On Or In Presence Of A Child Under 16 In A Lewd, Lascivious Or Indecent Manner.

    Great job BOCC!

  3. chuck on November 7th, 2008 1:11 pm

    Outstanding ! In this case compassion was needed and deserved and given. Good job BOCC.