Marshall County staff seek bundled bids for multiple court-ordered property cleanups

Marshall County staff reported May 28 that six properties cleared through court process are ready for county-funded cleanup and recommended soliciting bids for a bundled package to improve contractor interest.

Staff noted past single-property bids drew little response and described a prior $19,000 cleanup that did not result in a lasting cleanup. "If we're going to do this we do it and be done with it. I don't want to hear any so stories. Just clean it up," a commissioner said during discussion of packaging and enforcement. Staff proposed advertising in the legal paper, direct outreach to a list of about 11 contractors and sending bid packets, and commissioners suggested offering two bidding options: individual-property bids and an all-or-none package to let the county choose the most cost-effective approach.

Estimates presented by staff put the total for the grouped properties at roughly $70,000; commissioners noted funds remain in the general fund from a prior budgeted but unused allocation. Commissioners asked staff to finalize bid specifications, confirm the list of contractors to contact, and return with a recommendation on bid packaging and advertising methods. After bids are awarded, staff said the county will place liens for cleanup costs, fines and legal fees against properties as appropriate.