The City of Mt. Carmel is moving closer to completing the sale of surplus city-owned property to the Wabash Valley College Foundation, while officials are also preparing to sell additional surplus equipment.
City Clerk Ryan Turner provided several updates during Monday afternoon’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting.
The council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of surplus real estate to Wabash Valley College Foundation for $60,000. Turner said the city hopes to close on the transaction as early as next week. The two tracts are located just off of Oak Street in the Wolfe Addition. (See Photo)
The council also heard the first reading of Ordinance 2157, which would authorize the city to purchase two parcels located behind the Super 8 motel for $10,000.
Turner said the city previously owned the two lots before transferring them as part of a trade in which no money changed hands. The current owner is now looking to dispose of the additional property while retaining ownership of the hotel and has offered the two parcels back to the city.
The ordinance will return to the council for a second reading in two weeks.
Turner also reported the city has received payment for a mobile home located on city-owned property outside Mt. Carmel that was previously sold. The buyer has requested more than 30 days to remove the mobile home. Turner said some issues at the site appear to have been resolved, and the structure is expected to be moved.
Under new business, Turner announced the city will soon accept bids on two surplus police squad cars. One of the vehicles is currently located at the Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport and will be brought back before the vehicles are offered for sale.
Turner said the city is reviewing its inventory for other surplus property that is no longer needed.
“If it’s not making us money, if we’re not using it, we’re selling it,” Turner told the council.
The city is also preparing to address a long-vacant home at 114 North Market Street.
Turner said Mt. Carmel has now taken possession of the property, which sits on a hill and has been vacant for a number of years.
The city plans to seek bids to demolish the house and haul away the debris. Turner said officials initially considered using equipment purchased by the city last year to handle the demolition internally. However, because of the terrain, trees and other challenges at the property, officials believe contracting the demolition will be the better option.
