“We’ve had an increase in the number of complaints this year,” said Health Department Director James McCalister. “Neighbors are upset, and that’s understandable. People live in really nice homes, and then one person on the block never cuts their lawn.”

Under the old system, after a complaint was made officials would inspect the property, and if they found it unkempt, they would mail out a certified letter telling the homeowners to cut their grass or the village would do it for them. This year, however, officials are finding that some homeowners have packed up and left so they’re not receiving the certified letters. Starting on September 26, officials will simply notify the homeowner by posting a sign on the property. Owners then have seven days to address the problem before the village intervenes.

Unkempt lawns aren’t just an aesthetic problem, McCalister said. “It’s a heath issue,” he said. “Lawns not attended to can harbor insects and rodents.” McCalister also stated, “We’re seeing a lot of weeds on construction lots where projects have started but not finished.?EUR??,,????'??

The average charge to cut a homeowner’s lawn is $105, although that varies depending on the size of the lot. The village charges an additional $50 service fee. If homeowners don’t pay the bill, the village will put a lien on the property, McCalister said. Officials plan to cut the lawns of between seven and 10 of the worst offending properties this fall.