A solution is underway for the city of South Fulton regarding county-owned property, resulting from delinquent city and county taxes, as plans to establish a park grant board are carried out.
During the regular South Fulton Commission meeting Oct. 15, Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire was present to answer questions regarding accepting one bid for all 31 properties owned by the county.
South Fulton resident Johnny Lucy requested the commission allow him to place a single bid for the properties.
County taxes owed for the properties are approximately $33,000, while city taxes are $9,800. The commission agreed to waive city taxes for the 31 properties.
“A lot of these properties are on flood planes and are of very little value. This is part of the 10 percent we did not expect to get anyway. One owner to deal with is much easier. I feel this is a win win situation,” City Manager Jeff Vowell said.
Lucy said he plans to clean the properties up, refurbish houses, and maybe build on some of the lots.
“I have lived in South Fulton my whole life. These properties just need to be cleaned up,” Lucy said.
Commissioner Tony Perry mentioned a time frame to clean the properties. “I think it is reasonable to say as long as we see he is working on it,” Vowell said.
Commissioner Keith Curlin questioned who would occupy the houses, with concerns of neighbor complaints.
“I don’t have to rent the properties to someone I don’t want in there,” Lucy responded.
The process to place bids, will begin with the properties being advertised. If someone places a bid with a 10 percent increase from the first bidder within 10 days, the first bidder would have the opportunity to increase his bid by 10 percent, until settled.
During last month’s commission meeting, Vowell asked for thoughts and opinions from the commission regarding building a park in front of the municipal complex.
The next step involved was to establish a park grant board. According to Vowell the board will consist of five individuals. Vowell said he would like to see a commissioner fill one of the five spots.
Vowell said he spoke to the planning and zoning board, and they have no objection, however it will be a long process.
During the city manager’s report, Vowell said the gas fund warrants examination because of discrepancies between the city meter. The gas station meter which gas is transported by Texas Gas Company.
“We are going to have to keep an eye on it,” Vowell said.
Vowell said he hopes to hear from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), regarding the sewer grant, by the end of the month.
According to Vowell, the city has begun some work on the creeks and river basins. In other business on the agenda, Debbie Beadles was officially designated municipal court clerk.
