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Commissioners press land bank cleanup, schedule presentation on converting tax‑sale properties
Summary
Commissioners discussed the county land bank's work to clear title and convert quick‑claim parcels into buildable lots; a consultant from Wichita will present in March and commissioners said they want to pursue warranty deeds to attract developers.
County commissioners discussed land‑bank activity and stalled tax‑sale properties at the Feb. 24 meeting and asked staff and board members to press efforts to clear title so vacant lots can be sold and developed.
Commissioners said the land bank currently holds many parcels by quick‑claim deed and that converting some parcels to warranty deeds could make them mortgageable and attractive to builders. A consultant from Wichita who previously helped other communities with land‑bank processes has rescheduled a presentation for March; commissioners said that presentation will include steps needed to clean up tax‑sale processes and convert titles where possible.
Why it matters: Several hundred vacant lots were described as sitting unsold or unusable because of title or process issues. Clearing title and resolving tax‑sale defects could return property to the tax rolls and enable development.
Details from the meeting
- Land bank operations: Commissioners said land‑bank lots are maintained until sold and that a few recent sales produced warranty deeds, allowing new homes to be built and returned to the tax rolls.
- Title conversion and legal process: Commissioners discussed the need for proper service of prior owners, statutory notice and redemption periods tied to tax‑sale procedures; they acknowledged prior administrative shortcomings and said the consultant will advise on cleaning up processes.
- Next steps: The Wichita consultant will present to county leaders in March; commissioners offered to meet one‑on‑one for technical follow‑up and asked county staff to push the ordinance changes needed so an additional commissioner can sit on the land‑bank board if desired.
Community impact: Commissioners said clearing title and selling vacant lots could spur local construction and increase property tax revenues if lots are developed and placed back on the tax rolls.
