PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The embattled scrap metal yard that Providence officials have ordered to stop operating owes the city nearly $160,000 in back taxes, Target 12 has confirmed.

Rhode Island Recycled Metals, one of the most easily recognizable scrap yards along the Providence River, has been butting heads with the city in recent weeks after licensing officials sent a cease and desist order to the Allens Avenue business.

City spokesperson Josh Estrella told Target 12 earlier this month that the business was operating without the proper license, and no application was pending. The owners had applied for a license but recently withdrew it, spurring the city to take action.

Estrella said as of Thursday, the city had not received an appeal to the cease and desist.

In addition to the licensing issue, the city is also trying to obtain $158,234.64 in property back taxes from RI Recycled Metals. The business has filed an appeal.

"RI Recycled Metal's delinquent and overdue tangible taxes, which date back to 2016, have been referred to the City's collection agency," Estrella told Target 12.

The account is currently in litigation, and the city's collection attorney plans to file a motion for summary judgment, according to Estrella.

The company's owner, Jared Sevinor, could not be immediately reached for comment. On Thursday morning, a call to the phone number listed for the business went unanswered.