Resident aims to buy tax deed, clear city of assessments

OTTUMWA — An Ottumwa resident is looking to buy a tax deed on property behind his home, leaving the city to recoup only a fraction of special assessments that have built up for years.

Eddie Paxton, who lives on East Main Street, has asked for permission to purchase the lot at 419 S. Foster St. and clear the parcel to create a green space. However, there is over $14,000 in back taxes due for special assessments that including mowing between 2003 and 2023, as well as demolition of a condemned house.

There also is over $16,000 due in interest for the special assessment, and Paxton has asked the city council on Tuesday at Bridge View Center to remove the special assessments when obtaining the deed. He is willing to pay one year's worth of mowing assessment, interest and administrative fees, which total $433.

By turning over the property to Paxton, the city won't recoup the $14,000 due for special assessments, but it would allow the city to move on from the property and relinquish mowing responsibilities for the parcel.

At the council meeting Nov. 5, the council defeated a resolution to remove all the special assessments and allow Paxton to negotiate with the city on what he would be able to pay.

In other business:

— The city plans to set Dec. 3 as the date for a public hearing regarding a temporary easement around Central Fire Station for the Iowa Department of Transportation to use for a planned highway project.

Prior to the regular city council meeting, there will be a board of health meeting to condemn structures on a trio of properties.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.