County wants to give away house, garage -- but they must be moved

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County, Nebraska, commissioners will give away a stucco-covered red tile block house and a red brick double garage as long as they're removed from lots north of courthouse in McCook.

Commissioners said during their weekly meeting Monday morning they've tried giving away the structures, at 516 Norris and 524 Norris, before and have had no takers. But they're still trying to avoid paying for their demolition.

Asbestos has already been removed from the stucco house, at a cost of nearly $5,000.

Commissioners are considering the possibility of building a law enforcement center on the lots north of the courthouse. If that doesn't happen, the land could also be used for courthouse expansion or parking.

Deputy county attorney Phil Lyons told commissioners that real estate agent Tom Luhrs of Imperial has agreed to appraise the two apartment houses at 520 Norris, the only properties on the block north of the courthouse that the county does not own. The apartment houses are owned by Greg and Janet Hepp of McCook and are considered commercial property because of the number of apartments (7).

Luhrs was the only commercial appraiser of about 12-15 contacted by commissioners who has the time to appraise the property.

Lyons said that the appraisal will cost $2,500 and will be done by Dec. 20.

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