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After review, Akeley council declines to pursue acquisition of nearby Blue Ox building
Summary
The council discussed two tax‑forfeited parcels adjacent to City Hall but voted to take no action to acquire the Blue Ox building after considering cleanup costs, grant opportunities and uncertainty about renovation costs.
Council members revisited interest in the tax‑forfeited Blue Ox building and associated parcels (parcel IDs 29.37.04400 and 29.37.04500) in September 2024. County staff and community advocates described grant and technical assistance possibilities for design and cleanup costs, but council members said renovation and maintenance would be significant and the city would not collect property taxes while owning the vacant commercial building.
Mary Thompson and Hubbard County staff described possible grant resources and warned the city that if it did not act before the county auction the property could be sold without municipal control. After discussing the likely cleanup costs, the building condition (including evidence of mold and substantial remediation needs noted during a walkthrough) and potential liabilities, the council motioned to take no action to acquire the property; the motion passed with Mayor Brian Hitchcock recorded opposing in the special meeting on Sept. 24, 2024.
The minutes show the council weighed options — including using grant funds or applying for Blandin/other assistance if the city sought to acquire and rehabilitate the building — but ultimately decided it was not in the city’s interest to take ownership and the county will proceed with the tax‑forfeiture process.
If the parcels later return to county or public sale, the council can reconsider; meanwhile staff will monitor county notifications.
