Concerns Raised Over Rushed Bell Hill Sale Process

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 12.

Wadena County Owned Land

Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson led the discussion, reviewing a list of parcels located in various townships. For each parcel, the board assessed whether it should be sold or retained by the county.

Some parcels, such as road right-of-ways and public use areas, were deemed unsuitable for sale. However, other properties, like the Bell Hill Recovery Center, were prepared for sale, with the board setting a minimum bid.

The board also discussed the process for selling properties that do not sell at auction, deciding that these could be offered for over-the-counter sale at the auditor’s office for the minimum bid price.

Several parcels required further research before a decision could be made. For example, a narrow parcel along Upper Twin Lake was discussed in detail, with the board requesting more information about potential restrictions and uses before proceeding with a sale.

Other properties, such as those with unresolved zoning or utility issues, were set aside for additional investigation.

The minimum bid for a 10-acre parcel (an old gravel pit in Red Eye Township) was set at $7,500, and a 1.5-acre buildable lot (with water and sewer) was set at a minimum bid of $25,000...

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