Marshall County officials report uptick in unsafe-property inspections, outline response and funding options

Marshall County officials and staff on a May meeting reported a recent rise in unsafe-property activity and described how the county is prioritizing public safety checks, coordinating with code enforcement and pursuing funding to assist eligible homeowners.

Adam Combmes, Marshall County building official, told the meeting that inspections have increased in 2026. "In my first few months in 2025, we didn't have a lot of calls on unsafe...as of May 1st there was 13. I've completed another seven. So there's 20 total," Combmes said, and added that staff has implemented a new tracking system "so they don't get lost." He said four properties currently qualify as unsafe but that many callers are seeking county help to prompt cleanup by property owners or municipalities.

Why it matters: County officials said the distinction between an "unsafe" building and an "unsightly" property matters for enforcement. Combmes stressed the county's threshold is public access and immediate danger: "Unsafe first and foremost...is public safety. So, can somebody access the home? That that is my first priority." Structures that are unoccupied or merely cosmetically damaged may be handled through code-enforcement or municipal channels instead of emergency unsafe-structure action.

Officials reviewed several active cases. Combmes described case 26 UB2 in Burket, triggered by a house fire, where the homeowner began cleanup before formal enforcement was needed. He said a collapsed barn in Plymouth, likely tornadic damage, was removed by the owner within weeks and no further action was required. A long-standing building at 600 West Jefferson in Culver had a caved-in roof that has since been shored up and was recently listed for sale, Combmes said. A fourth case was characterized as a health-related matter where repairs are in progress.

Code enforcement and legal steps: Phil Smith, identified as code enforcement, described his office's process of sending letters and, when necessary, referring unresolved nuisance cases to the county attorney for court action. Commissioners cautioned that the county should consider cleanup costs before pursuing judgments, noting the practical constraint that a court order is of limited use if the county has no funding to abate hazards.

Public-health and septic issues: Faith Freed of the Marshall County Health Department said septic enforcement is handled case-by-case and flagged an upcoming regulatory change she expects to affect enforcement clarity. "In summer of this year, the rule will change, the 410 will change, and they will specifically call out drywalls," Freed said, and noted the department has worked with lakefront property owners on advanced treatment units (ATUs). County attorney John Cesi described a recent compliance success in which pressure and legal follow-up led an owner to complete a septic system before the deadline and the health department issued final approval.

Funding and homeowner support: Meeting participants noted the county is pursuing an owner-occupied rehabilitation grant that was described as expected to bring roughly $500,000 to the county, with typical project awards near $20,000 to assist low-income homeowners with repairs such as roofs, porches or heating. Officials acknowledged the application is complex, that rentals do not qualify, and that staff would help eligible homeowners; the county extended an application deadline to June 15.

What comes next: Staff will continue inspections and triage complaints based on immediate safety concerns. Staff advised municipalities and residents to call county building department staff as a gateway; if a site is accessible and poses a danger, county staff will respond and, where appropriate, involve code enforcement or legal follow-up. The meeting adjourned after a new member, Dan Samano, introduced himself to the group.

Sources: Statements and figures in this article are drawn from meeting remarks by Adam Combmes (Marshall County Building Department), Faith Freed (Marshall County Health Department), John Cesi (attorney) and other participants during the public meeting.