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Van Buren County sets public hearing to solicit sealed bids for railroad right-of-way west of Bentonsport
Summary
The board approved a resolution July 22 to hold a public hearing Aug. 12 and accept sealed bids for sale or assignment of county-held tax-sale certificates on railroad right-of-way; sealed bids are due by 4:30 PM Aug. 8 and Burlington Northern will be notified of unpaid taxes and penalties.
The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors on July 22 approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on Aug. 12 and accept sealed bids for the sale or assignment of county-held tax-sale certificates on railroad right-of-way west of Bentonsport.
County Treasurer Linda Whitten told the board the matter continued from a June 24 discussion about five tax-sale certificates for parcels currently associated with Burlington Northern. Assistant County Attorney Thomas Gage reviewed the legal options and advised the county that taking sealed bids after publishing notice in the newspaper and contacting adjoining property owners would be appropriate.
Under Resolution #07-22-2024A the county will advertise the opportunity and require sealed bids to be submitted on a form obtained from the County Auditor’s office by 4:30 PM on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. The resolution describes the parcel(s) involved (a railroad right-of-way described in Book 111-Page 288) and specifies that bids must include a purchase price and an allowance for survey costs; the successful bidder will select the licensed land surveyor and the county will work with that surveyor to prepare and record the final plat and quitclaim deed. The county will sell the property “as is” and will not furnish an abstract.
The board directed Whitten to send a letter to Burlington Northern enumerating the amounts currently due as unpaid taxes, penalties and interest on each parcel and stated that unless Burlington Northern responds by the Aug. 26 meeting indicating it wishes to redeem or negotiate, the county will proceed with soliciting sealed bids. The resolution cites Iowa Code 331.361 and sets the public hearing and opening of sealed bids to begin at 9:05 AM on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. On the motion to adopt the resolution, Richards moved, House seconded; roll call was House — Aye, Meek — Not Present, Richards — Aye.
Next steps: the county auditor will publish required notice and accept sealed bids through Aug. 8; the board will open bids at the Aug. 12 hearing and proceed according to the bid guidelines in the resolution.
