Former Mifflin Elementary property headed to online auction

MADISON TOWNSHIP — The former Mifflin Elementary property is heading to the auction block.

Madison Local School District Board of Education approved a resolution Monday evening authorizing the sale of the approximately 10.28-acre property along Reed Road and State Route 430 through an online public auction.

RES Auction Services LLC will conduct the auction for the Richland County property, which includes six parcels, from Oct. 24 through Nov. 3.

Mifflin Elementary property heads to online auction

The school was constructed in 1949 (with additions in 1962 and 1980), making it the oldest building in use by the district during the previous school year, according to a recent audit.

Mifflin earned the designation of a National ESEA Distinguished School in the category of achievement during the 2022-2023 school year.

Budget cuts within the school district necessitated its closure.

A farewell open house took place in April. The event was an opportunity for students, staff and community members to walk through the building one last time before its closure.

Madison School District also plans surplus-property auction

Treasurer Bradd Stevens said they have spent time removing items from the building that the staff may need before putting the remaining contents up for auction.

“Mr. Neron and his team have done an incredible job of cleaning out all the stuff that any other teachers need,” Stevens added. “Not just teachers, anything that’s needed, cafeteria supplies, custodial supplies.”

He said there are some student desks, whiteboards and other items the district does not need or have space to store.

“This is a resolution to sell those contents at an online auction and that will be at the same time,” Stevens said. “They’ll have one auction, end it and then do the other.”

What bidders need to know

According to the resolution, Madison School Board expects to consider the bids at a meeting on Nov. 4, although it may act at a later meeting. The board can reject any or all bids.

All notices and or correspondence to the Board shall be delivered in person or mailed to 1379 Grace St. Mansfield, Ohio 44905, Attn: Bradd Stevens, Treasurer.

The highest bidder must submit a non-refundable deposit equal to 10 percent of the bid at the conclusion of the auction. The deposit will apply toward the purchase price if the board accepts the bid and the sale closes.

Once there is a successful bid, the bidder must keep it open and irrevocable for 60 days after the auction or until the board acts on it, whichever comes first.

The district will convey the property after the buyer completes final payment and closing requirements. Closing must occur within 60 days of the board accepting the highest bid unless both parties agree to an extension.

The purchaser will be responsible for Richland County closing costs, including deed recording fees, half the closing escrow fees, the expense of the purchaser’s title insurance policy and all other buyer’s exenditures.

The district makes no warranties or guarantees about the property’s physical condition, environmental conditions, utility conditions, suitability for a particular use, zoning, development potential, demolition costs, remediation costs or other matters involving the property.

Certain floor tile and boiler insulation or wrapping materials within the improvements contain asbestos-containing materials, according to the board.

The board has not conducted a comprehensive environmental investigation of the property and makes no representation about whether asbestos or other hazardous substances exist elsewhere on the property.

Prospective bidders can request information the district has about those conditions.

The district states it will not pay for remediation, abatement, demolition, environmental response work, repairs or corrective action after closing.

Those interested in inspecting the property can schedule an appointment with John Neron at 419-612-9945 prior to the auction.