Some St. Louis property owners are in shock after finding out they owe hundreds of thousands of dollars to the city — for repairs they didn’t agree to. It’s under investigation now

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Several St. Louis homeowners are being shocked with large bills from the city for repairs they didn't even agree on.

The bills, associated with a city initiative called Stable Communities STL, include charges for nearly six figures for work that the property owners claim is subpar or was never completed.

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Jason Staten says the city has slapped him with a $121,000 lien for work he's done on a home that's been in his family for 70 years. He's been trying to fix it up, but it's been vacant since he discovered asbestos ten years ago.

He claims that the contractors hired by the city left him with a leaky roof and gutters that don't function correctly. If he doesn't pay, however, he is at risk of losing the house.

This home is truly priceless. However, to these officials, they're going to put a dollar amount on it and try to take it away.

The city claims the program, which uses federal pandemic-relief funds, aims to maintain vacant properties that are in a hazardous state. However, those who have concerns, including property owners and specialists in the law, are expressing substantial doubts regarding the program's legitimacy and implementation.

Unreasonably high invoices for work that was never actually done.

Staten isn't the only one feeling frustrated - another property owner, Tony Pitale, shared with First Alert 4 Investigates that he's looking at a $100,000 bill for a new roof and other repairs to an old car repair shop he purchased with plans to turn it into a workspace where people can repair their own cars.

After purchasing the building, Pitale discovered that the city had already paid for repairs prior to his ownership. Among those expenses were $10,500 for floor joists and a subfloor, despite the fact that the building has a concrete slab instead. Another charge was for repairing and replacing stairs, which are not present at the property.

"The city has carelessly covered expenses for things that simply don't exist," Pitale said.

Former city judge and attorney Robert Dierker described the liens as "forced rehab". He recognizes that Missouri's building codes give the city permission to fix code violations, but he's questioning whether this go-it-alone approach exceeds the city's authority in the law and the constitution.

"We're making history here," Dierker said to First Alert 4.

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The mayor's office spokesperson explained that the properties chosen for repair were selected through a thorough assessment by a committee, considering multiple factors and criteria. The spokesperson also stated that contractors were selected after a competitive bidding process, where multiple companies submitted proposals to complete the work.

Demanding answers

Reporters from First Alert 4 Investigates contacted city officials, but they declined to give an interview. Instead, they issued a statement saying, "Local and state law gives the authority to take enforcement action as a legitimate way to protect the health and safety of residents."

Staten is counting on a miracle. “Wait for the light to come on for it. And I thank you for now shining the light on the things they’re trying to do in the dark,” he told First Alert 4 reporters.

Tony Pitale told reporters he simply wants answers.

“Who is overseeing this? At least at the city level? Doesn't anyone want to know where this money is being spent? That seems like basic transparency and accountability,” Pitale said.

The FBI may now be getting involved in corruption allegations. A city inspector reportedly linked to some contractors has stepped down, and another is on forced leave.

Mayor Tishaura Jones informed the FBI that her office was prepared to assist by "opening any necessary doors" to guarantee that any wrongdoing is exposed and those responsible will be held accountable.

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This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation or suggestion. It's provided without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.