Knox council approves purchase of tax certificate for 6 North Pearl Street

The Knox council on an apparent voice vote approved Resolution 2026-RE1 authorizing the city to buy a tax lien certificate for 6 North Pearl Street, a step officials said is meant to protect the city’s assessment and give it options for rehabilitation or demolition if the owner does not redeem the lien.

Council members adopted the resolution after a staff presentation describing the proposed purchase and an explanation that the city would transfer the certificate off the public sale to protect its interest. A Council member moved to adopt the resolution “as presented,” and another council member seconded the motion; the chair then called for the vote and members voiced assent.

The staff member who introduced the measure said the property has been under enforcement for seven years and that buying the tax certificate would either secure reimbursement of about $13,000 in assessments if the owner redeems the certificate or give the city title if the owner does not redeem. “She has 120 20 days to to redeem it from the time we get started,” the staff member said, adding that the city will pay the purchase amount and then begin the required notice process.

Officials discussed administrative costs for completing the certificate process. The staff member estimated that if outside counsel is required to handle advertising and the series of legal steps, fees are often about $1,000. Council members also outlined options should the owner fail to redeem: the city could auction the property and require a performance bond sufficient to cover rehabilitation — council discussion included rough rehab estimates of $100,000–$125,000 — or pursue a blight grant to remove a hazardous structure.

Speakers noted the owner of the parcel appears to have another property tied up in U.S. District Court, a factor officials said has delayed prior efforts. Council members said that once the court matter resolves, the certificate will likely reappear at the next certificate sale and the city wants to ensure its claim is protected.

The resolution authorizes the mayor to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase of the tax lien certificate. The council set a follow-up timetable tied to the certificate’s 120-day redemption window; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally, only that members voiced approval. The council adjourned after the meeting and announced its next meeting date.