individual abatement process. In a discussion of expenses of the <br />program on the second page of the memorandum, the memorandum speaks <br />of a report from the Department of Public Works setting out the <br />number of work orders, and cutting, inspection, and transportation <br />costs. It is indicated that the report does not reflect invoice <br />and work order typing and information handling nor for the cost of <br />time spent on follow up work in establishing ownership on problem <br />accounts. The discussion pertaining to the expense of the program <br />to the Finance Department is equally ambiguous. There is an <br />indication that the receivable billing cost is $7.60 per bill, but <br />that this cost does not include second and third notices nor does <br />it include any collection efforts. The third page of the report <br />would indicate for the 1984/85 year, that while cutting contracts <br />were only in the amount of $14,142.00, total expense amounted to <br />$26,343.60 in that year. Net billing only amounted to $31,498.55. <br />Obviously, the operation of the program has to be subsidized <br />by the City, but the information submitted does not yield the <br />appropriate amount to charge in the individual situation. There <br />is no information as to the total number of accounts pursued. <br />Finally, although the information was submitted to substantiate <br />the formula used by the City of $75.00 for the first hour and <br />$45.00 for the remainder of hours used in computing the assessment, <br />I am unable to see how those figures were generated. <br />There is some question as to the reasonableness of the charge <br />structure for the individual assessment. When determining what is <br />a reasonable charge for administrative overhead" under the <br />ordinance it is difficult to see why the amount charged per hour <br />is more for the first hour, if it bears no correlation to the <br />amount charged by the contractor. Additionally, if the cost to be <br />added is to be "administrative" cost the formula suggested does not <br />seem particularly appropriate. <br />While perhaps arbitrary, I adopt in this case the 100 <br />administrative overhead charge used elsewhere by the Public Works <br />Division. Certainly, figures can be presented at a later time in <br />other cases substantiating an average reasonable cost for <br />administration of an abatement. It is just that in this instance, <br />there is not such information available. <br />CONCLUSION <br />The amount of abatement cost to be assessed is $229.15. The <br />property owner, Marshall Geller, is hereby advised that if the cost <br />of this abatement is not paid within ten (10) days of the date of <br />this decision, the cost shall be entered in the docket of the City <br />liens and upon such entry shall constitute a lien upon the property <br />at 2460 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon. A lien shall be enforced in <br />the same manner as liens for street improvements and will bear <br />interest at the rate described in section 2.022 of the Eugene Code. <br />The interest shall commence the date of the entry of the lien in <br />the lien docket. <br />3 - FINDINGS <br />