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Wymore moves to acquire dilapidated downtown lot at 215 S. 7th, agrees to pay back taxes
Summary
After a public hearing, the Wymore City Council voted 4–0 to pay about $370 in back taxes and secure a quitclaim deed from Cathy Rakes for 215 S. 7th, with the city to own the lot after demolition and cleanup.
Following a public hearing on Jan. 7, the Wymore City Council voted to acquire Lot 8, Block 21 (215 South 7th Street) and to pay outstanding taxes so the city can obtain a quitclaim deed.
At the hearing resident Kirby Cohorst asked whether the city would own the property after demolition and cleanup. City Attorney Andy Carothers answered, "the property at 215 S 7th will belong to the city," and noted there are taxes owed for 2023 through 2025 “amounting to just under $370.00.”
After the hearing the council approved, on a motion by Council member Neil Van Boening seconded by Sue Sapp, a motion to pay the back taxes and obtain a quitclaim deed from Cathy Rakes, making the title transfer subject to a final lien and judgment check. The motion carried 4–0.
Attorney Carothers also reported that contractor/inspector Chet McGrury had inspected two downtown buildings at 213 and 215 S. 7th and that action on three residences is ready to move forward. Tim Sedlacek asked to proceed now with asbestos inspections to avoid possible rate increases and to position the city to submit a new grant application by the deadline; Attorney Carothers agreed.
Next steps recorded in the meeting minutes include payment of the specified taxes and pursuit of the quitclaim deed; staff will also pursue asbestos inspections and related grant application materials as discussed.
