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Owner asks for time after Elkhart County opens bids for demolition of burned home
Summary
After planning staff opened bids for demolition of an unsafe structure, homeowner Timothy Clank told commissioners his insurance dispute is headed to federal court and asked for 3–6 months; the board allowed staff to review bids and asked the owner to return with a court date.
County Planning and Development staff opened bids on May 26 for demolition of unsafe structures at two County Road 24 properties. Bids from B & E Excavating and Jerry Reed Excavating were read aloud and showed significant differences in prices.
Property owner Timothy Clank addressed the board. He said the primary structure burned and that he and his wife currently rely on the property's well, septic and electrical infrastructure; he said the insurance company underpaid their claim and that federal litigation is pending. Clank asked the board for additional time — suggesting three to six months — while he pursues the court case and seeks financing to rebuild. "The structure will be rebuilt one way, shape, or form," he said.
Planning staff and the county attorney clarified the hearing history: the matter was investigated beginning in 2023, was taken before a hearing officer multiple times and was confirmed for demolition by a hearing officer in October 2025. Staff said in-person notice at hearings is part of the process. The owner said he had not received direct recent outreach from enforcement staff and asked for the opportunity to update the board as his federal-court schedule develops.
A commissioner moved to allow staff to receive and review the demolition bids and asked that Mr. Clank return next month with a court date or an update; the motion passed unanimously.
