Warren County commissioners on Monday approved enforcement steps and timelines for three separate unsafe-property cases, directing staff to begin lien and demolition processes for one property, release another after observed repairs and issue a vehicle-nuisance notice for a third.

The actions came after county staff presented photographs and inspection notes for properties at 1544 Main Street (Jarvis), 2786 East Third Street (Stoddard) and 10018 West Second Street (Smith), and after commissioners discussed fines, compliance deadlines and options for towing or demolition.

County officials set an initial civil fine of $1,000 for the Jarvis property and instructed staff to record a lien if the fine is imposed; they gave the owner until Oct. 20 to complete ordered cleanup and repairs. Commissioners then released the Stoddard property after staff said the roof and other required repairs were substantially improved from prior inspections.

For the Smith property, where staff described an older motor home on the site and interior and roof concerns, commissioners approved issuing a vehicle-nuisance notice that triggers a 20-day removal window for the RV; they also directed staff to solicit bids to remove and demolish the unsafe building and to notify the property owner that the county intends to hire a contractor if she does not remove personal property and arrange access by the solicitation date (the board discussed a target of Sept. 15 for receiving demolition bids). Commissioners clarified that if the county pays for demolition the cost will be billed to the owner and, if unpaid, turned into a lien and ultimately placed on the tax bill or included in tax-sale calculations.

Commissioners discussed two enforcement paths for vehicles: towing from the right of way immediately or issuing the 20-day notice under the vehicle-nuisance ordinance if the vehicle is on private property and meets the ordinance’s age and abandonment criteria. They directed staff to tag the RV and proceed under the vehicle-nuisance procedure that requires advance notice before towing.

The board also discussed practical details: staff will pursue personal service or certified mail for required notices; if staff must contract for demolition they will collect bids and return them to the board for review; and any money spent by the county to abate the condition will be billed to the owner and can be recorded as a lien and pursued via tax sale if not paid.

Commissioners made these decisions during the agenda item on unsafe buildings and code enforcement and took voice votes in favor of the motions.

The county attorney and code enforcement staff said they will prepare the notices, lien documentation and solicitations required to move the actions to the next steps.

The board did not set exact dollar totals for potential demolition at this meeting; staff said the county will solicit bids and return them to the commissioners for approval.