Property Owners May Get Bills For Beetle Kills

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) -- Larimer County says it may start billing property owners who aren't keeping up their end of the fight against the mountain pine beetle.

The county says it is authorized under state law to take action to control forest pests, including bark beetles, if a private property owner refuses.

The county can bill the owner for up to $5,000 a year. If the charge is not paid, it's added to the owner's property tax bill.

According to the Fort Collins Coloradoan, the county is considering sending contractors to work on 10 to 12 properties that have pine beetle infestations that should be treated.

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