By DAVE SCHULTZ
Bluffton has agreed to pay $35,718 as its share of the demolition cost for the building at 123 S. Marion St.
Under terms of an agreement with Barkley Properties LLC, the city will pay $35,718 while Barkley Properties will be $30,358 and Bluffton NOW! downtown revitalization group will pay $25,000.
The building caught fire July 7 and required the efforts to multiple area fire departments to extinguish the fire, which was a morning-to-evening task.
There was some discussion about the ramifications of the city’s decision to assist with the demolition payment. Bluffton Common Council President Scott Mentzer, in particular, wondered what the criteria would be going forward as to the city assisting with the costs of taking a building down.
The city has been on the hook for demolition costs in the past, but such cases involved the filing of liens and several have gone to tax sales. This one was different, Mayor John Whicker said, citing “extenuating circumstances.”
“I think it’s a no-brainer,” Common Council member Josh Hunt said.
The measure passed the Bluffton council 5-0, which Mentzer joining with the other council members.
daves@news-banner.com
