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Commissioners authorize counsel to pursue enforcement options for long-running Big Ox nuisance property
Summary
After nearly three years of unresolved cleanup, the board directed county counsel to draft enforcement/litigation steps to address unsafe structures, debris and apparent unlawful occupancy at the Big Ox property and to return with a recommended procedure.
The Scott County Board of Commissioners on April 15 directed county counsel to explore civil enforcement and litigation options to address a multi-year nuisance at the Big Ox property.
Commissioners and staff reviewed a history of efforts: outreach to purported owners, involvement of the health department, a tax-sale attempt and prior arrangements to have the county clear debris. Ownership remains unclear in county records, and efforts by a private party to assume responsibility did not complete.
Commissioner remarks stressed public-safety and sanitary concerns for neighbors, the visual blight to passersby and the length of time the property has remained unresolved. Staff recommended proceeding under the county's unsafe-structure and zoning enforcement authorities and said litigation might be necessary where ownership cannot be established or cooperative removal does not occur.
The board voted to authorize county counsel to draft a procedure and pursue appropriate civil remedies, with staff to return to the board with a recommended course of action and legal steps for protective cleanup. Commissioners also discussed broader code-enforcement capacity and asked staff to bring a proposed code-enforcement officer/workshop to a future meeting.
The action does not itself authorize forcible entry or demolition without court process; staff emphasized any on-the-ground cleanup would follow required legal notice or court orders.
