Eddie Randall Johnson of Mendenhall has been locked in an ongoing dispute with the city over his mobile home, which he purchased from Diane Stephens in 2021.
Johnson said he began renovations immediately after moving in, repairing damage from a small fire, replacing flooring and walls, and having the electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician.
“Everything I’ve done, every step I was supposed to do,” Johnson said, adding that the home has been recorded at the courthouse as real property and certified by the fire marshal. Despite those repairs, Johnson has lived in the home for six years without running water. He said the city has repeatedly refused to issue him a permit to connect to the water system because the property is condemned. According to Johnson, he has asked for a permit “the whole time I’ve been here” but has been told directly by the mayor that utilities would not be allowed. “I am not going to let you have services to that trailer,” Johnson recalled being told. In the absence of water service, Johnson has relied on hauling water and now pumps water from a nearby creek to flush his toilets. He said the creek water is clean, with fish living in it, and has a proper pH level. Johnson water used for dishes or cooking, Johnson boils it first. “I use this branch water just to flush my toilet,” he said. He said he showers at a nearby friends house. Johnson said he was court ordered to fix everything that needed repair, have the fire marshal inspect the home, and get water and electricity connected legally. While he now has legal power in his name, water service remains unattainable because the city will not issue the necessary permit. The city’s complaints have extended beyond utilities to the property itself. Johnson said the city has ordered him to tear down his shed, which he built himself over six months, and to either move or demolish the home. He said he has paid fines for being out of compliance but cannot afford the additional penalties. On a fixed income and with limited ability to work due to disability, Johnson says the cost has taken a toll. While Johnson is open to making further improvements — even considering building a small house on the property — he said the city is not approving such structures at this time.
During the Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting on August 5, Johnson, appeared before the board requesting forgiveness on the previous fines. Alderwoman Vickie Everett acknowledged that the property looked much better and cleaned up. Johnson stated he has done everything possible to maintain the property. The exterior storage shed on the property was noted as having been built without permits or proper paperwork. Mayor Todd Booth explained that both the shed and the trailer on the property were not allowed and should not have been there. Johnson said he purchased the property from Diane Stephens at a reasonable price and rebuilt it himself. He added that he built the shed to store his tools and protect appliances he works on from the weather. Booth said Stephens sold Johnson the trailer after the city pressured her to remove the structure, and reiterated that Johnson has made changes without consulting the city or obtaining permits. Johnson told the board he began constructing the shed in 2021, and while the city has photos of the work starting, he was never told to stop. He also said the city issued a permit when the mobile home was initially moved to the location. Booth said that Johnson was told that he could not build the shed on several occasions but he proceeded to do so anyway. David Miller stated no permits were pulled for the trailer’s renovation.
Booth recalled helping the previous tenants find new housing after he inspected the mobile home and found it “slam full of mold and rotten boards.”Miller said he advised Johnson early on that the mobile home was beyond repair and that nothing inside could be fixed, only replaced. Johnson said he believed that once utilities were in his name and certified, the situation would be resolved. Alderwoman Judy Lee asked if he had another place to live, and Johnson replied no. Alderman Robert Mangum questioned why Johnson did not have city water. Booth said the trailer’s poor condition prevented the city from turning the water on. Johnson noted that water service was available to the previous tenants. Alderwoman Janna Miller suggested a reinspection of the trailer to determine if it now meets the requirements for water service. Miller agreed to arrange the reinspection and present findings at the board’s next meeting.
With another inspection pending, Johnson fears any small issue could give officials another reason to push for removal of his home. “I’m just trying to have a home,” he said. “I’m retired… I’m just trying to keep the roof over my head.”
