FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Jump to a question:
How does the Land Bank Acquire Property?
Over 95% of the property taken in by the Land Bank will be by tax foreclosure. Many properties in our community have languished for years due to tax delinquencies attached to the property. The Land Bank has the ability, by law, to take ownership of these properties and transfer them, with a clean title, to a new owner. We can also receive property via donations and deeds in lieu of foreclosure.
Who is the Land Bank
The Board is made up of the County Treasurer, 2 Commissioners, and 2 community representatives.
The Licking County Land Bank is an open and transparent organization. Its meetings are open to the public and its meeting agendas, resolutions, mission, organizational documents, and list of properties are a matter of public record. The Land Bank adheres to a board-adopted ethics policy and files an annual report with the Auditor of the State.
How often does the Board of Directors meet?
The Board, at the present time, meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Licking County Administration building. Minutes will be posted on this website for public review.
What do you do with the properties you acquire?
Property transferred to the Land Bank is evaluated for future use. Structures in serious disrepair may be scheduled for demolition. Some homes may be candidates for rehabilitation by a new home owner. Vacant lots can be sold as both “side lots” or a new “building site.” The Land Bank has relationships with several community organizations. We will partner with them whenever possible and practical.
How can I buy a property from the Land Bank?
Our Board has adopted specific policies regarding the acquisition and disposition of property. If you are interested in a piece of property, please submit the “Purchaser Qualification” and “Property Request” forms. All forms are available at:
www.lickingcountylandbank.org
How is the Land Bank funded?
The Land Bank is funded by a percentage of DTAC funding (3%). DTAC stands for Delinquent Tax Assessment Collection. A percentage of delinquent taxes collected are set aside for the Land Bank’s operating budget. Grant funding is also available from different sources. In 2016, the Land Bank was approved by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to receive funds to help with the demolition of 64 homes throughout Licking County. Other funding was used to help cleanup an abandoned gas station in North Newark.
How is the Land Bank Staffed?
Rather than hire staff, and maintain facilities and equipment, the Land Bank contracts with the County Auditor’s office for administrative services. This is an efficient use of funds and allows existing staff to play a vital role in dealing with delinquent properties. The Co-Executive Directors, appointed by the Board, are Brenda Fox & Greg Ketter. Other staff within the Auditor’s office assist the Executive Directors as needed.
Does the Land Bank collaborate with other community organizations?
The Licking County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) seeks to create collaborations and partners to assist in the fulfillment of our mission to strategically acquire properties, return them to productive use, reduce blight, increase property values, support community goals, and improve the quality of life for county residents. We work collaboratively with each of the municipalities where we own property to ensure that these properties are brought back to productive life in a way that aligns with that municipality’s vision for its future.
The Land Bank also maintains partnerships where the use of our properties benefits the community.
Some of our partners include:
Mid-Ohio Habitat for Humanity
Licking County Coalition for Housing
Newark Development Partners
Together We Grow Community Gardens
How can I work with the Land Bank?
If you would like to work with the Land Bank, please visit our website to find the necessary documents required to become a “Qualified Contractor.” We welcome the opportunity to work with others who understand and embrace our mission.