Hanna council approved taking title to a tax recovery property with more than $11,000 owing at its Oct. 13 regular meeting, following an unsuccessful public auction.

The property received no bids when offered for sale Sept. 8. Administration recommended the town take ownership, secure the building against unauthorized entry and list it for sale through its realtor.

During discussion, acting chief administrative officer (CAO) Kim Neill described the building as derelict and an eyesore for the neighbourhood. He said taking title would give the town control over the property and allow it to move toward a sale.

“By taking title to properties, we're in control of the property,” Neill said.

Council members also raised concerns about people frequenting the site and the effect on nearby residents.

While administration believed the property was vacant, neighbours had reported occasional activity there. The discussion highlighted concerns that leaving the building unsecured could attract unwanted activity and create an unsettling environment for people living on the block.

According to a report prepared by director of corporate services Winona Gutsche, the property had $11,064.08 in outstanding charges as of Oct. 1. That included $3,548.74 in taxes, $1,232.54 in utilities and $6,282.80 for snow removal and fire demolition.

The property has an assessed value of $81,210.

Administration reported that the owners had not responded to letters, invoices or notices and had abandoned responsibility for the property. Attempts to collect the outstanding taxes had been unsuccessful.

The owners or another interested party could have removed the property from the tax sale by paying the arrears, penalties and costs before the auction. Those amounts remained unpaid when the sale proceeded.

Council carried the motion authorizing the town to take title. The process outlined in the report involves asking the Land Titles Office to cancel the existing title and issue a new one in the town’s name under tax forfeiture, followed by a sale at market value.

Neill said the town would normally list the property with its realtor once the title transfer was complete.

Administration noted that taking ownership would also make the municipality responsible for the property’s condition.