The Barren County Fiscal Court voted Nov. 18 to transfer a foreclosed, dilapidated property at 302 Humble Avenue to the City of Glasgow without payment so the city can demolish and return it to the market. County Attorney (speaker 8) outlined the history: delinquent taxes led to a masters commissioner sale in 2017 that produced no buyer, the county and city held certificates of delinquency, and the circuit court found both entities had interests that could be made owners by deed. The city asked the court to surplus the county's share and accept a deed; the county attorney said the city had incurred mowing and maintenance expenses and planned demolition and eventual resale. The court approved the resolution and authorized the county attorney to prepare closing documents.

During public comment, a resident described what they said was a longstanding problem with a tree/wood company dumping debris across roughly 10.5 acres near Bluff Springs Road and New Salem. The resident alleged piles as high as 8 feet, loss of standing trees on adjacent land and spreading insect infestation; he said the EPA previously intervened to stop burning on the site. The County Attorney cautioned that county powers are limited without zoning and that many enforcement options are fact-specific and may require state or federal agency action. The county said it is talking with state authorities and has shown evidence to agencies, but that an EPA administrative order would be the only definitive answer regarding burning restrictions on the parcel.

Why it matters: Transferring the property to the city removes county ownership that had limited value and gives the city authority to demolish and re-market the lot — a step local officials say can reduce blight and return real property to taxable status. The public complaint highlights community concerns about illegal dumping, pest spread and cross-jurisdictional enforcement limits when localities lack zoning.

Court action: The resolution to surplus and deed the county's interest in 302 Humble Avenue to the City of Glasgow was approved by voice vote; the County Attorney is authorized to prepare required legal documents.