Fort Scott land bank schedules eviction; board approves donations, appoints chair and treasurer and greenlights developer agreement

The Fort Scott Land Bank Board voted during its meeting to continue with eviction proceedings for a tax-foreclosed property unless the occupant redeems the title by paying the full redeemable amount set by the county treasurer within the 14-day period ordered by the court.

The motion to proceed with eviction followed a staff update on a long-running matter involving a property described in the meeting transcript as 416 South Park (also later referenced as 416 Burke). Board members said the county court had issued a journal entry allowing the occupant 14 days to vacate and that, if the occupant did not vacate, the land bank could seek a writ of restitution and the sheriff’s assistance.

Why it matters: The decision moves the land bank toward securing possession of a foreclosed parcel the board says poses liability risks while also preserving a narrow window for redemption if the occupant can pay delinquent taxes and assessments. Board members directed staff to obtain the exact redeemable amount from the county treasurer and report back before final enforcement actions.

Board discussion and key points - Court order and timeline: Staff said the court allowed the occupant 14 days to vacate; if the occupant does not vacate, the land bank may request a writ of restitution to effectuate eviction. The board emphasized that liability concerns and lack of insurance on the property motivated continuing the eviction process.

- Redemption amount and next steps: Members repeatedly…