The City Council approved temporary ordinances at the Jan. 5 meeting that are intended to protect people affected by the Dec. 26 tornado from price gouging and unscrupulous contractors.
Additionally, the council approved a resolution to extend the State of Disaster that was declared by Mayor Douglas Athas after the tornado. The time limit of the declaration is limited by law and an extension required a City Council vote.
According to City Attorney Brad Neighbor, the debris removal alone will take 10 weeks and there are other processes that will continue for a longer period of time, making the extension of the disaster declaration necessary.
At Neighbor’s suggestion, council extended the date to July 1. If it is necessary at that time, the date could be extended. If the need for it ends sooner than expected, the length can be shortened.
An ordinance was also approved through Feb. 29 that is intended to prevent price gouging. Neighbor offered an example in which a tire store was charging $75 to repair a tire when the normal price is $10 – $15.
There are those who take advantage of people affected by disasters and this had begun to happen in Garland. Another example is charging more than the normal price for hotel rooms.
Anyone who feels that they have been a victim of price gouging should contact the city attorney’s office at 972-205-2380 or visit www.garlandtx.gov.
An additional ordinance was passed that will require building permits for residential roof repair that exceeds $2,000. Contractors must also be registered and bonded. City employees plan to go out into the affected neighborhoods and let residents and contractors know about this ordinance.
Additionally, city staff has set up a permit office in the affected neighborhood for the convenience of residents and contractors. There will also be a list available that contains tips to help residents select contractors.