Commissioners told county could declare nuisance property

By Rupert Howell
She has had to go “around the world,” but Panola Land Commissioners assured Pamela Folik that she will get some benefit for her persistence.
Folik returned to the monthly meeting of Panola County Land Use Commission recently where she heard attorney Colmon Mitchell and planning consultant Bob Barber tell her a solution to her problem was written into the law.
Folik’s problem is neighboring structures on Henry Heafner Road near Sardis Lower Lake, old uninhabited mobile homes, that are not only an eyesore but are devaluing nearby property belonging to her late father.
Unlike municipalities, the county has not been so quick to condemn structures and lots and clean them up, a task the consultant and lawyer said may be used.
While discussing Folik’s issue, longtime commissioner Danny Jones noted that during almost 20 years of meetings, two things that haven’t changed are roadside litter and getting rid of dilapidated structures.
Barber explained that under a section of law the county can declare nuisance property and hold public hearings to condemn the property. Once condemned, the county can remove the structure of debris and be compensated up to $20,000. An additional 25 percent penalty can also be imposed and if not paid, the amount is added to the property tax bill.
“This is the same conversation we had last time-the county board of supervisors has to declare a nuisance,” Folik said.
With one board member stating that they tried to get the board of supervisors to do something, Mitchell explained that neighbors within a certain distance can petition for a hearing before the supervisors.
“The solution is in the statute that Colmon just mentioned,” Barber told Folic and commissioners
”I appreciate your persistence,” Commission Board President Sledge Taylor told Folik.
Commissioners asked Barber to come back to their next meeting with District Four Supervisor Donald Phelps who was also in attendance and inviting Barber to attend an upcoming board of supervisors’ meeting, stating, “The county needs him to. It’s time to reassess the 1998 (growth) plan.”