Commissioners declare vacant lot surplus and transfer to abutting landowner

Marion County Commissioners on July 15 declared parcel 10908343321 on Nicholas Avenue surplus and approved transferring it to the highest‑bidding abutting landowner.

Staff told the commission that the parcel came through the county tax‑lien process; it was not redeemed during the legal redemption period after the 2022 tax‑lien sale. County staff said abutting lots offered through the Abutting Landowner Program must be contiguous to the offered parcel, have an assessed value under $50,000 and require the abutting owner to be current on property taxes.

Treasurer and Commissioner Barbara Hartman moved to declare the parcel surplus and transfer it to the abutting landowner who submitted the highest bid; Myla Aldridge seconded. The commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried.

Staff said the winning bidder is already maintaining the lot and plans to incorporate it into his existing property. "He is already maintaining it," Hartman said during the meeting. "He just plans to incorporate it into his existing property."

The action was a transfer of county property; staff recommended the surplus declaration and transfer in accordance with the program rules explained at the meeting. No additional conditions or easements were specified in the verbal presentation.