Fort Scott Land Bank authorizes eviction of occupant at 416 South Burke

The Fort Scott Land Bank voted Sept. 16 to authorize the land bank manager to proceed with eviction of the occupant at 416 South Burke, a property the land bank received at a sheriff's sale in early September.

Board members told the meeting the structure is in poor condition — with debris, leaking plumbing and a history of no or intermittent utilities — and codes enforcement has raised concerns. The land bank acquired the deed at the sheriff's sale and filed it with the county; the board discussed both the legal authority to remove an occupant after foreclosure and the humanitarian concerns of displacing a resident with family connections in another city.

The board voted to direct the land bank manager to issue notice and pursue removal at his discretion no later than 14 days. Members discussed that the occupant may not be a tenant in the legal sense (the board described the person as a squatters or remaining in defiance of foreclosure) and that legal notice timelines differ from ordinary tenant eviction timelines. Members also emphasized liability and insurability concerns if the occupant remained on the property.

A board member volunteered to compile a list of local social-service resources and deliver it to staff by the following day to assist the occupant and her family. The land bank manager and staff will coordinate with codes enforcement before and during the eviction process.

No sale or transfer of the parcel was completed before the vote. Board minutes record the motion passed; the record shows the board set a 14-day target for notice and further legal steps.