JAY — Russell Dyer of Strong told selectpersons Monday that he plans to fix up the four-unit apartment building the town foreclosed on for back taxes. He bid $500 for the property at 409 Old Jay Hill Road.

After hearing his plans for it, the board voted to accept his bid.

The town foreclosed on the property earlier this year for $4,378.06 in back taxes and $2,903.28 in sewer fees. There was also a debt of $184.87 for water fees that are not related to the town.

Initially, the board put the property out with a minimum bid of $8,200 to allow the town to recoup expenses, including advertising for bids.

No bids were submitted. They put it out to bid a second time without a minimum bid, and Dyer was the lone bidder. Selectpersons delayed action on accepting the bid until they heard what Dyer’s plans were for the property so the town would not end up foreclosing on it again in three years.

A lot of what is wrong with the property is basic maintenance, and upkeep was not done, Dyer said. Leaky faucets, a plugged sink drain and no smoke detector in one apartment were among the issue.

Dyer said he planned to review the codes to see what needs to be done. He said the roof needs to be repaired.

He is looking at the property as an investment, he said.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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