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Mason City woman’s dilapidated house taken by City, now set for demolition

412 3rd Street SW in Mason City

MASON CITY – A Mason City woman’s dilapidated house has been taken by the City with the help of a new state law and is now set for demolition.

412 3rd Street SW in Mason City

The house at 412 3rd Street SW in Mason City has a history of unsightliness. Built in 1905, the property contains a single family structure that has been vacant and uninhabitable for several years, according to a City document, and is assessed at just $9,390. The City has been trying over that time to work with the former owner, Betty Everly, of this structure to repair this house. Repeated attempts under the City’s former housing code to encourage the owner were not successful, the City claims. Since the property had been vacant and uninhabitable for several years, the City’s attorney recommended action under Iowa Code Section 657A.10.  This statute allows the District Court to award the City title to the property, free and clear of liens, taxes, and other encumbrances, if the Court agrees that the property is “abandoned” according to the definition in Section 657A.10. The City’s attorney thereafter filed a petition for judgment with the District Court on November 20, 2019.

On November 5, 2020, the District Court agreed that the property at 412 3rd Street SW is abandoned according to Iowa Code. The City is now the sole deed holder of the property. The Chief Building Official has determined that the house is potentially dangerous and that rehabilitation would not be cost-effective.

The City solicited bids and provided specification for prospective bidders on January 9 and received four bids, the lowest being from Navratil Excavating at a cost of $7,250.  Upn City Council approval, which is being sought this coming Tuesday, the City will work out the finances to pay for the demolition out of the City’s $40,000 budget for demolition of vacant and uninhabitable properties.

Back in 2012, Everly was cited on February 29 for a disorderly property, accumulating junk and rubbish, at this location. A judge later found her guilty and ordered her to pay court costs and a fine totaling $185.00.

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