Anderson Board addresses multiple condemnations; owners offer to deed properties to city

Anderson City — At its Jan. 28, 2026 meeting, the Anderson City Board of Public Safety considered several property condemnation and demolition requests and heard owners say they were unaware of existing demolition orders when they purchased property at tax sale. Staff recommended affirming demolition orders for one continued case described in the record as '2023 Cedar' and moving forward with condemnation proceedings on other properties while tabling one item for additional repair estimates.

Owners James and Stephanie Brinkley, who identified themselves for the record, said they bought a tax-sale property and later learned there was a demolition order attached. Stephanie Brinkley told the board, "we were not made aware of the demo order that was on it," and said the couple would not have purchased the property had they known. The couple asked the board whether the tax sale could be invalidated or whether they could return the property to the city to avoid liability.

A board member advised that the board lacks authority to invalidate a tax sale and suggested the owners pursue a petition with the judge who signed the tax deed. As the board discussed options, Todd Fisher, building commissioner, described the code-enforcement process and how orders are lifted: "When you get your final inspections, I'll come back in and release the demo order, but I will not release it" until required work is completed. Fisher also said staff will accept a deed to the city if owners choose to convey the property; the city will run a title search and accept the deed only if the title search comes back clean. Staff warned that if the title search reveals liens or defects, owners would remain responsible for demolition costs.

During the municipal-development segment, a board member moved to confirm the demolition/condemnation for the property referred to in the record as 2023 Cedar Street; the motion was seconded. The transcript records the motion and second but does not include a roll-call tally in the provided segments. Staff also requested condemnation of 915 Central Avenue; a motion to condemn that property was made and seconded. The board voted to table 1314 Fairfax Street while staff obtains repair estimates.

Staff outlined next steps for properties transferred to the city: run a full title search, accept deed if the title is clear, and then either remove the owners' liability or proceed with bids for demolition and scheduling if the owner does not complete repairs. The board and staff encouraged owners to contact building-inspection staff before buying tax-sale properties so potential orders can be identified prior to purchase.

Aside from municipal-development items, the board handled routine business, including approving minutes, paying bills (a total listed in the record of $1,670,402.79 with $190,020.97 identified for APD), and approving payroll presented at the meeting.