Would you want children to play near (or in) an abandoned, inoperable, unlocked camper that contained propane tanks, human feces, and drug paraphernalia? Hopefully not, yet out-of-commission cars, campers, and trailers litter the backroads and rural county neighborhoods of Flathead County. It's not just an eyesore, it's a danger to our communities.
And, although they appear to be abandoned, many have been turned into illegal shelters and encampments. It is COSTING TAXPAYERS MONEY!
Here's what you’re paying for:
- Labor: County Sheriff/Deputies to investigate the ownership of the vehicle, drive to the location, and tag for removal; interview residents; accompany members of other county departments onsite.
- Labor: County Solid Waste department to determine if the vehicle can be towed ‘as is’ or will need to be demolished prior to moving; cost to demo the structure and haul; cost for disposal at the landfill.
- Labor: County Road Department to ensure clear roadways, snow removal (when applicable), cut trailers/RVs to a size that can be hauled by Solid Waste and County easement infringement.
- Fuel, equipment, maintenance, and hours spent not performing their regular duties.
This was just one area, one instance of hundreds that we wanted to share with the public.
If you see something on county property, say something immediately. The sooner the Sheriff's department is notified, the sooner we can connect with the person/people responsible and have the vehicle removed BEFORE it becomes inoperable.