Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Title Review topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and advocates ask Des Moines County to verify deed restrictions before selling property
Summary
Longtime advocates say deeds show property given to the county in 1972 for services to people with disabilities; the county said it will review title records and consider a private title opinion before proceeding with realtor proposals (RFPs are due April 9).
Residents, family members and board members who represent disability-service groups urged Des Moines County officials at a work session to check historic deeds and any conditions before selling several county properties.
"ARC did not become Hope Haven," said Jane Housewright, president of Partners for Persons with Disabilities, which traces its history to the Des Moines County ARC. Housewright said she has original documents and a 1972 agreement she believes stipulates the county may hold the Douglas Street property so long as it is used "to provide services to mentally retarded childrens and adults" (Housewright used the historical phrasing when describing the document). She said the language raises the question whether proceeds from a sale should revert to Partners or otherwise remain dedicated to services for people with disabilities.
County staff acknowledged the new documentation was not previously raised and agreed to review records. "We can look," said a county staff member, and added that staff might seek a private title opinion or title insurance to determine whether deed restrictions or a reversion clause apply before completing any sale.
The procedural timeline in the room included a reminder that requests for proposals to list four county-owned properties are due April 9. Several speakers suggested interim measures such as holding sale proceeds in escrow so funds remain available to support local services if a title issue later emerges.
Advocates said they are not opposed to the county monetizing underused properties as long as the community and original donors' intent are respected. "We just want it to be fair," Housewright said.
Supervisors did not vote on any transaction during the work session. County staff said they would report back after reviewing title records and recommended next steps, and community leaders left copies of archival deeds with staff for review.
