Vance County Planning & Development Director Jordan McMillen told Vance County Commissioner’s during this past Monday’s regular monthly meeting that an identification study had found 455 abandoned mobile homes in 950 site visits.
McMillen also indicated that there are mobile homes currently inhabited “that they probably shouldn’t be living in”.
A grant will pay to demolish five units. The lowest bidder, Falkner Grating & Landscaping, will charge $6,500 for the demolition.
The grant covers the first $1,000 of demolition costs and half of any remainder up to $500. However, under the lowest bidder’s pricing, McMillen told commissioners that the county would have to cover a $250 total overage.
Commissioner Dan Brummitt commented that a county contribution would be “setting a dangerous precedent”. He said that owners should be “willing to put up a little bit”.
After discussion, McMillen told members that owners of the abandoned trailers have already paid $210 to get into the grant program and that they will also be responsible for landfill fees.
Chair Danny Wright said that “it appears the property owner is getting quite a deal”.
Commissioners agreed that if owners will unwilling to pay the extra $50 that the demolition could move on to the next unit on the list.
The commissioners voted unanimously to award the contract to the lowest bidder and pass the unbudgeted $250 overage along to property owners.