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County staff update commissioners on land-bank demolitions, say cleanup could include 30–40 properties
Summary
County staff reported progress on multiple demolition projects, described timing and land-acquisition steps for one grant-funded parcel, and said contractors and logistics are driving a phased cleanup of land-bank properties.
MORROW COUNTY, Sept. 10, 2025 — County staff told the Morrow County Board of Commissioners that demolition and land-bank cleanup work is progressing and that timing for several properties depends on completing land-acquisition paperwork and contractor availability.
The update said the county is preparing the final demolition at a property referred to as House 606 in Marengo and that the Hidden Lakes site is temporarily on hold while staff seek to acquire adjacent land so cleanup funds can be used without title issues. Staff said they will assemble a “cure package” of photos and documents for the state before demolition begins at those sites.
Why it matters: The county’s land-bank cleanup aims to remove blighted or unsafe structures and return properties to productive use. Staff said the program focuses on properties controlled by the county land bank rather than privately owned parcels for which owners seek permission.
Details from staff included: - The county anticipates the overall land-bank demolition effort could include roughly 30 to 40 properties under county control; that figure was presented as an estimate. - A contractor previously under contract (referenced in the transcript as Ferguson Michaels) handled several properties; staff said that contractor may or may not participate in remaining work and that some projects will require daily equipment staging for safety and access. - Staff described a forthcoming public sale event on Monday, Oct. 29, at 417 West Marion; the county is advertising available items and will continue to post photos on the county’s Facebook page.
Staff emphasized that some properties already show evidence of activity (stripped wiring or removal of siding) and that owners may remove materials from their own property before county contractors begin work. The county will not use demolition dollars on properties still privately owned without clear title or necessary rights, the update said.
Commissioners asked about timing; staff said they expect some demolition work to proceed this year but that scheduling will depend on land-acquisition steps and the state’s clearance process.
What was not specified: The transcript did not provide precise dollar amounts for the grant funds discussed; a figure read aloud in the record was unclear and is reported here as not specified. Staff also used shorthand names for contractors and internal staff; full company names and contracts were not supplied in the public record.
Staff named for this update included a county staff member identified in the record as Jamie and other members of the county’s demolition team.
