Marshall County committee declares Haney property an emergency; inspector authorized to seek demolition bids

At a meeting of the Marshall County Unsafe Building Committee, members voted to declare the property at 17672 Main Street in Polk Township — hearing case 24UB07, listed to Robert and Genova Haney — an emergency and authorized the building inspector to solicit demolition quotes and, if necessary, proceed under an emergency order.

Committee members said the home's foundation has collapsed on three sides and the property owner has not responded to mailed notices, which were returned as undeliverable. "I recommend that the building be demolished due to structural instability caused by the collapsing foundation," Chuck Norman of the building department said, citing inspection photographs and a foundation that he said is "in pretty bad shape." The committee noted an enforcement order dated Oct. 3, 2024, was also returned undeliverable.

The action followed a presentation of inspection dates and service attempts. The building department reported the initial report was made July 22, 2024, and the inspector visited the property on Aug. 22, 2024. Committee members confirmed the property taxes were not paid and discussed how demolition costs would…