Derelict properties, including three owned by St. Landry Parish, dominate the agenda for Tuesday’s city Board meeting in Eunice.
Ten properties face condemnation by the Board of Aldermen at the 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Eunice Municipal Complex, 300 S. 2nd St.
Bill Thompson, the city’s code enforcement officer, provided a rundown of the properties, but it was three listed as deeded to St. Landry Parish Government that drew the most attention at Thursday meeting to set the agenda for the session.
Those parish properties are at 230 S. Mallet St., 460 N. Mallet St. and 230 Olivia St.
Thompson said Mayor Scott Fontenot urged him to place the properties on the agenda for show cause hearings, which is a step away from the city condemning them.
Thompson termed the properties as “in terrible shape”
Ginny Moody, city clerk, said while the properties are deeded to the parish, the titles are not clear.
Jack Burson, alderman at-large, said, “That’s awful. I can tell you I was parish attorney for 20 years. They are going to look like that 10 years from now.”
The properties offer the city an opportunity to test what can be done to remedy derelict property owned by the parish and located in the city, he said. It’s a test that may end up in court, he said.
The properties have been adjudicated to the parish for nonpayment of taxes, Fontenot said.
Vernon McManus, city attorney, said the city may not be able to enforce a lien against another government agency.
If the city cleans up the derelict properties it would have to file a lien in attempt to be repaid its costs. A cleanup may cost $2,000, but with an annual tax bill of $40, Fontenot said, “...it will take a long time to get your money back.”
All the properties are for sale.
Other properties on the agenda are:
230 Rodney St., owned by Michelle Prudhomme Duos;
230 S. Cane St., owned by Albert & Lillie Mae Dupre;
140 S. St. George St., owned by Lessie Dupre;
470 Cotton St., owned by Olajuwon Harvey;
350 E. Peach Ave., owned by Honey Land, LLC;
720 Carron St., owned by Orina Hardy; and
560 Lewis St., owned by Johnny Anderson.
Other items may be placed on the agenda 24 hours prior to the meeting.
