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Council accepts $10,500 neighbor bid for vacant lot at 806 N H St.
Summary
After a public hearing and a bidder’s increased offer, the council voted to sell the vacant city lot at 806 North H Street to neighbor Bruce Street for $10,500, resolving demolition cost and lot‑use questions raised at the hearing.
The Oskaloosa City Council voted Dec. 10 to accept an amended bid of $10,500 from neighbor Bruce Street to purchase the vacant lot at 806 North H Street.
City staff summarized the property's history: the council previously rejected a $500 bid, the city contracted demolition of the house and garage at a recorded cost of $12,500, and the county’s 2025 assessed land value for the lot is $12,600. Staff presented three options: accept the $5,000 offer that had been submitted, reject it for being less than demolition costs and assessed value, or counteroffer at $12,500 to recover the demolition expense. Bruce Street told the council he could have paid roughly $10,500 if awarded earlier and asked the council to accept his increased offer to cover removal costs and utilities.
Councilmembers discussed comparable lot sales and whether the $10,500 was reasonable given local market data. A motion to accept Bruce Street’s amended offer was moved and seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded a majority 'Yes' and the motion passed. Staff closed the public hearing before the motion. The council did not specify additional restrictive covenants; staff will proceed with the sale and required closing paperwork.
