Nitro City Council members approved using sales tax revenue to fund the demolition of two troubled structures at its meeting Tuesday night.
Property Maintenance Inc. will bring down the structures at 1106 11th Street and 516 Dupont Ave. for $10,750.
"We are continuing a project we put together three years ago where we actually go in and do some work on the properties," Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said. "We do whatever we have to do [to do property] and then we bill the people, and it usually gets [property owners] to move those properties faster."
The city has entered into an agreement with Chaz and Cassie Boggess - owners of 516 Dupont Ave. - in which the Boggess pay the city a monthly fee of $108.38 for 60 months.
The city will place a lien on properties if they cannot enter into an agreement with properties owners, Casebolt said.
Councilman Bill Racer voiced concerns about the city losing money on its investment in properties.
"If someone decides not to pay it, then we are going to be dead in the water after three houses," Racer said.
Councilwoman Brenda Taylor echoed Racer's fiscal concerns, but expressed belief in the project.
"I wish we had more money," Taylor said. "Because I just see us doing three houses and we're done."
The city's hands-on approach is working - it's just a slow process, Casebolt said.
Council members praised Nitro City Public Works employees for their snow removal efforts during Winter Storm Jonas last week.
"[Public Works employees] were out for several days in a row and several nights in a row," Councilman John Montgomery said. "They just kept at it and did the best they could with the equipment they had."
Public Works employees were being thanked on one street and cussed on another, Casebolt said.
"Something like that brings out the best and worst in people - we need to remember the good," Recorder Rita Cox said.
Council also announced a public hearing, slated for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in council chambers, to discuss adopting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
For those who own property in Nitro that is prone to flooding, the program might provide a little bit of relief, Cox said.
The program was recently expanded and now includes areas of Nitro. Citizens can learn more about the program and if they qualify at the hearing.
In other business, council established a committee to review bids on city equipment and make a recommendation to council at its next meeting.