The Richland County Land Reutilization Corporation (RCLRC), also known as the “land bank,” was formally recognized as an incorporated entity within the State of Ohio on Nov. 18, 2013. Tuesday evening the City of Mansfield passed legislation to officially contract with the entity to manage its demolition program.
The land bank aids in expediting many processes in order to return otherwise abandoned properties and land back to the tax base by “cleaning” the title of liens and pending legal matters and selling it to a viable party, often an adjoining property owner. Land banks have been successful in other parts of the state and this may be a tool in fighting the blight in Richland County.
The agreement, which was unanimously approved by council, will authorize the RCLRC to handle some of the functions formerly carried out by the city, specifically with regard to demolition of abandoned structures. “You’re going to see a lot of improvement in processes,” said Sam Dunn, Community Development Manager.
Members of council asked questions to clarify roles and responsibilities once the agreement is in effect. Council persons Jon Van Harlingen and Garnetta Pender expressed concerns about city resources possibly being devoted to a county effort, but J.R. Rice, Manager Building and Codes, explained that the land bank would have it’s own inspectors for properties outside of the city, and that the city would still demolish their own properties.
Mayor Timothy Theaker explained that the purpose of the RCLRC is primarily a legal function and that it will benefit the city to expedite the bureaucratic processes in order to return these properties to the tax base as quickly as possible.
During caucus Mary Lamb, a city resident, expressed concern about an abandoned property at 116 Glenwood Blvd. Although more details would need to be clarified, Law Director John Spon suggested that this might be an example of a property that would benefit from the land bank process.
In other business council established a tax threshold for pre-payment of city income taxes. The new $150 threshold would prevent self-employed taxpayers from facing penalties for unpaid estimated prepayments on earnings under the threshold.
Council also unanimously passed a bill adopting changes to personnel positions, pay grades and salaries for 33 city positions.
City funds were allocated for routine expenditures such as fire hydrants, water meters, and gravel. The City Service Director was authorized to enter into bids for the purchase of the city’s salt supply as well as custodial services. Funds were also appropriated for tax refunds, payment of workers compensation management, and community advancement.
