§ 7-180. Service of complaints.

(a)

Complaints, notices and orders issued by the administrator shall be served upon the owner, lessee or person in possession, mortgagee and any other person having a present interest in the property, either personally or by registered mail. If the whereabouts of such person is unknown and cannot be ascertained by the administrator in the exercise of reasonable diligence, the administrator shall make an affidavit to that effect and shall then serve such complaint, notice or order upon such persons by publishing the same once each week for two (2) successive weeks in a newspaper printed and published in the municipality. Personal service of any complaint, notice or order shall be accomplished by a police officer or by any person over the age of eighteen (18) years. In the event of personal service, the police officer or process server shall deliver the complaint, notice or order personally or shall leave a true copy at the usual place of abode within the City of Tupelo with a member of the family above the age of sixteen (16) years who is willing to receive a true copy thereof. The police officer or process server shall file with the administrator a return attesting to the date and circumstances of the service.

(b)

A copy of the complaint, notice or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint, notice or order.

(c)

A copy of the complaint, notice or order shall be filed in the office of the Chancery Clerk with the lis pendens notices as provided by law.

(d)

In the event the city decides to act under the authority of MCA 1972, § 21-19-11, all notices shall be served as provided therein.

(Ord. of 9-1-92, § 2; Ord. of 10-6-92, § 2)