"This bill will take great steps toward removing eyesores from our communities," said Rep. Dermody. "Not only do these abandoned properties pose a safety risk and reduce property values, very often no one is paying property taxes on them, shifting the burden to other residents." HB 1145 allows a county to transfer to a neighboring landowner, for little to no cost, abandoned property for which the county holds a tax deed. The bill requires that all neighboring landowners be notified before sale negotiations or transfer proceedings begin. "Transferring these abandoned properties to caring local owners will certainly fight a problem many neighborhoods face. The result of these transfers will result in a more equitable tax bill for all," said Rep. Dermody. HB 1145 now moves to the Indiana Senate. |
