Presentation to Sherman County Commission outlines land bank option to move distressed properties

Mister Brown presented a possible land bank ordinance to the Sherman County Board of Commissioners, saying the tool would allow distressed or tax‑delinquent properties to be transferred to an entity that can clear title, waive prior assessments under state guidance, and put properties back into productive use.

"The back taxes are waived and then that preserves the title going forward to a person who would buy the property and hopefully make it a productive property," Mister Brown said, noting an attorney general opinion and examples from other communities where land banks are active. He referenced Pittsburgh’s experience, where hundreds of properties move in and out of a municipal land bank.

Commissioners and staff asked practical questions about whether counties or cities must each adopt separate ordinances, who would govern a land bank, and how sales would be handled. Staff explained most examples are city‑based, and the county may need an agreement because county taxes would be affected if the land bank received donated parcels. Mister Brown and staff said the land bank typically can place conditions on resale — for example, requiring development within a set period — and that some jurisdictions publish notices when properties are transferred.

Concerns raised included brownfield properties (old gas stations or fertilizer sites), where remediation and environmental liability limit the tool’s usefulness, and the possibility that sales could go to preferred buyers rather than open bidding. Mister Brown said ordinances vary: some land banks use open bids while others place properties with specific buyers subject to conditions meant to ensure redevelopment.

No decision was made; the presentation closed with staff offering to return with more details and draft ordinance language for further consideration.