A property that the Bremen Town Council members intended on purchasing was purchased by another bidder at a recent sheriff’s sale.
Town Attorney Anthony Wagner told the Bremen Town Council members on Tuesday that he explained to the potential bidder, before the tax sale began at 121 S. Jackson Street, that the town has eminent domain over the property and intend on getting the property. He said the town would move forward with the condemnation process even if the town was not the successful bidder, especially if the town council members vote to move forward with creating a gathering space there. Wagner said that project is a valid public purpose.
In the condemnation process, Bremen Director of Operations Trend Weldy will need to get the property appraised again and make an offer to purchase the property. The town will pay what the property is worth.
Even with that explanation, Wagner said the bidder intended to bid over the town’s cap at $22,000 and won.
“My hunch is that they just weren’t aware of what eminent domain is and that we have the ability to do this,” said Wagner. “I think once they understand what we meant by saying ‘we’re going to get it one way or another’ that hopefully we’ll be able reach an understanding. We told them to not put any money into tearing the house down because they won’t be able to recover that money. If they refuse our offer, we’ll get to the point where we can actually file a condemnation suit to take the property.”
Wagner will draft a letter explaining the process once again and send it to the bidder.
The Bremen Town Council members unanimously approved a motion to move forward with the condemnation process.
