Plan set in motion to condemn property

By Rupert Howell
Panola County took a step to clean up nuisance property Monday with supervisors telling Land Commission officer Chad Meek to proceed with property condemnations through means offered by the law during Monday’s meeting in Sardis.
For months Pamela Folik has attempted to have something done about unsightly property near her family owned property on Henry Heafner Road near Sardis Lower Lake.
At least three supervisor and a couple of land commission meetings later, she may be getting results.
Planning consultant Bob Barber explained to supervisors how the law is written with that board all agreeing something needs to be done.
Meek, who has been looking for direction in the matter since he assumed his position, asked and received permission from the board that would allow Barber to help guide him through initial hurdles.
Barber explained to supervisors that it was a fact the effect of dilapidated property  on neighboring property was negative stating, “It is an economic development issue that negatively affects property values.”
He explained that a complaint or petition could be filed my neighbors or an officer of the county, notice given, a hearing held and once found to be a nuisance, could be cleaned up by—if not the property owner, then the county or a contractor.
The county could then turn around and charge the property owner with the cost of cleanup plus penalties of up to $20,000.
Board president Flint questioned whether it would be worth it for the county to clean up property and then put a tax lien on it worth more than the property.
“We’ll never recoup that,” Flint stated.
Barber responded stating, “Let me flip that. It’s not what it costs to do it. It’s what does it costs not to do it,” citing specifically indirect cost in lower property values.
District Three Supervisor John Thomas stated he thought it would not cost a lot to clear nuisance property with county equipment  and said, “I think we need to start on it immediately.”
Barber also advised supervisors that the hearing process, “Will get you further down the road,” implying the appearance of action may move some property owners to comply.