County says removals of blighted structures are progressing; costs and ownership questions remain
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Summary
Commissioners reported demolitions underway in Winchester, Saratoga and Modoc and discussed purchase processes at tax sales, asbestos cleanup costs, and whether towns or the county should assume post-demolition maintenance obligations.
Commissioners provided an update on the county—lighted properties program. Officials said Winchester has two demolitions complete with a possible third and fourth forthcoming, Saratoga has one, and Modoc recently had one property taken down. One commissioner said demolition costs typically ran about $15,000 nd $17,000, and that asbestos abatement raised costs in a recent case by roughly $6,000.
The boards discussed mechanisms for towns to acquire properties at tax sale or commissionersale via resolutions so a municipality can take ownership and manage upkeep. Commissioners noted some towns are not fully aware of the tax-sale process or do not attend meetings where the program is discussed; several members urged outreach to town clerks to explain how towns can request properties and obtain tax certificates to manage blight locally.
Members also noted some blighted parcels are owned by LLCs, which complicates enforcement and remediation. A possible certificate-of-sale change was suggested to require new buyers to pay outstanding taxes rather than acquire for a nominal fee; commissioners said that could address LLC-driven speculation.
Next steps: staff will continue coordinating with towns to prioritize demolitions and clarify the tax-sale/resolution process to transfer properties to municipalities for upkeep when appropriate.