DECEMBER 16, 2024 |
Photo – House owned by Medicine Bow – Courtesy google maps
Medicine Bow officials are shocked by the poor condition of the former Marshal’s house.
During the December 9th Medicine Bow town council meeting, Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer said the former Marshal’s house, located at 724 Maple Street, is in very poor condition following a recent water pipe rupture. Councilwoman Wickizer encouraged the governing body to visit the home and see the extent of the damage firsthand.
The Medicine Bow Marshal’s Office was established in 2019 using impact assistance money from nearby wind turbine construction projects. The funding was used to buy equipment for the newly created law enforcement agency, as well as purchase a trailer home in town for $63,000.
When needed, the house on Maple Street was available for the town marshals to rent. Deputy Marshal Chris Tirpak was the last person to occupy the property.
When impact assistance funding began running low earlier this year, the town council voted to disband the Marshal’s Department. In July, the town commissioned an appraisal of the Maple Street property in anticipation of putting the house up for sale with other equipment from the now defunct Marshal’s Office. At that time, the property was valued at $62,000.
The following month, August, the town council voted to request bids from the public to purchase the Maple Street property, with a minimum bid of $63,000. One resident submitted an $80,000 bid for the home, but the deal fell through due to unspecified reasons. The house is still owned by the town.
Back at the December 9th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Councilman Trevor Strauch and Councilwoman Wickizer both agreed that the house is no longer worth the originally appraised price.
In addition to the water leak, Councilwoman Wickizer said multiple windows were left open, which did not improve the condition of the house.
Councilman Lee Cook suggested getting an estimate for repairs before making a decision about whether to fix the house or sell it as is. Councilman Strauch said he and Public Works Director Brian Lashley were told it will cost between 17 and 20 thousand dollars to repair the property. Councilwoman Wickizer said the estimated cost includes the price to fix any potential damage to the subfloor of the trailer home caused by the water leak.
Councilwoman Wickizer said the property might not be in as poor condition as anticipated. Councilman Strauch explained that due to the nature of the leak, the subfloor and plumbing are likely to have sustained major damage and will need to be entirely replaced at the owner’s expense.
Mayor Justin George explained that the last occupant failed to transfer the utilities over to the town after vacating the property. With no one paying for the utilities, the heat was shut off causing the water pipes to freeze and burst, resulting in extensive damage to the home.
Councilwoman Wickizer asked if the town can recuperate the financial losses from the previous occupant. Town Attorney Cameron Smith said he will review the lease.
Additionally, the keys were not left with the property. After the leak was discovered, Public Works Director Lashley said he had to physically break into the home to turn off the water.
Public Works Director Lashley said the house was in the same condition back in July, when it was appraised. Councilwoman Wickizer asked how the appraiser came up with the price considering the amount of damage the house has sustained.
Mayor George instructed Lashley to obtain an estimate for repairing the damage to the house and present it at the next Medicine Bow town council meeting on January 13th. In the meantime, Lashley will change the locks on the property to keep any unauthorized visitors out.
