A waterline issue and tax liens were the focus of two residents’ comments during the Snyder City Council’s citizen’s forum Monday night.
Richard Reed wanted to know what the city could do to reconnect a waterline to a building he plans to use for auctions and local Realtor Keith Hackfeld questioned the cost of demolishing substandard structures and how the city prices the lien on the property.
No action was taken by the council on either issue because they were not on the agenda.
Reed, who purchased a building located at 1203 College Ave., said the waterline had been cut and capped off. He said city water services are available at surrounding buildings, but not his, where he plans to hold public auctions.
“I always thought it was the responsibility of the city for getting water to buildings,” Reed said, adding it would cost $3,000 to $4,000 to install a waterline.
Reed said the line was cut where the Texas Department of Transportation performed road work.
“I think the city is responsible for reconnecting that line,” Reed said.
City Manager Merle Taylor said the last time water was available at the building was 1967.
Reed said if he was not able to get city water for the building, he may move the auction location. He plans to hold equipment auctions at least once a quarter.
Hackfeld asked the council how much the average building cost to demolish. Public Works Director Eli Torres said the average cost is $9,000 to $10,000. When a demolition is ordered, the city gives the property owner 30 days to arrange the demolition. If they do not, and the city demolishes the building, a lien for the amount is put on the property, Taylor said.
“People are not going to pay $8,000 to $9,000 for a lot. I see that as a major problem,” Hackfeld said.
When told that city employees are used for the demolition, Hackfeld said that they would be paid if they were demolishing a building or at another job.
Mayor Tony Wofford said that he and Development Corporation of Snyder Executive Director Bill Lavers had talked to contractors about bidding against the city for demolitions.
“We are trying to see if we can get a better price for the resident and not put a lien on (the property),” Wofford said.
The city does not put liens on property when the property owner takes care of the demolition.
Lavers said he talked to one local contractor who said he would charge $2,500 to $3,000 for the demolition if the city provided a rolloff Dumpster and hauled the debris to the landfill.
In response to the cost estimates presented by Lavers, Torres said the city is comparable in cost.
“Disposal fees drive the prices up,” Torres said.
The landfill disposal fees are included in the total charge the city uses to determine the lien amount.
Lavers offered to serve on a committee to review the situation.
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