BIG SPRING, TX — This week, 11 properties in the City of Big Spring were up for possible abatement of a public nuisance. This was discussed during a public hearing at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Big Spring City Council.
During the hearing, it was pointed out by local resident Scott Emerson that a property listed at 1710 Young Street did not correctly list the current owner. He advised that he had purchased the property in a tax from a tax auction in 2013, and later sold it in 2015 to Chris Golding. The listed owners Troy V. Little and Jessie Lee Little had not actually owned the property since 2012. Emerson questioned how research is conducted to contact the property owners, and whether any of the property owners not present for the public hearing actually received notification.
A property at 1309 Grafa St. was listed with deceased owners Judy and David Sausman. Their daughter spoke at the hearing, asking how notification could be sent if they were deceased. According to City Attorney Andrew Hagen and City Manager Todd Darden, legally, the City followed the law to notify the property owners – by putting a letter on the property, sending mail to the owners listed on the deed, and putting a notice in the newspaper. He also advised that the City was not responsible for procuring title unless they were buying the property.
“Sometimes you do what’s legal and sometimes you take the extra step to do what’s ethical, in my opinion, before we take the extreme measure of removing somebody from their home or abating a house. If there’s a question, then we need to address the issue. Not because that’s the legal thing to do but because it’s the right thing to do,” said Troy Tompkins, Councilman for District 5.
Ultimately, 9 of the 11 properties listed passed for abatement. 1710 Young Street and 1309 Grafa St. were tabled.
The next Large Item Pickup is scheduled for District 4, April 19th. Council also approved the extension of the Lifeguard Agreement with the Big Spring YMCA. This extension will allow lifeguards to be on duty at the Russ McEwen Aquatic Center for the Tate’s Place Back to School event on August 6, 2023.
(Photo: Big Spring City Councilman Troy Tompkins, District 5, and Councilman Maury Smith, District 6, at a Big Spring City Council meeting on 04/11/23)
Comments