Sterling close to selling some homes

STERLING – The city is closer to selling some of the homes in its Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The program, for low- to moderate-income buyers, has new homes for sale at 1002 W. Fifth St. and 1003 W. Sixth St., and rehabilitated homes for sale at 710 Ave. D and 308 W. Seventh St., among other locations.

The first two homes have been on the market since mid-August.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, City Manager Scott Shumard said the city is negotiating offers.

“We have several offers that are close to the appraised market value of the properties, so we think we’re pretty close to closing a few deals on some of the new homes,” he said. “We have seen an uptick in interest, so we’re really excited about that.”

The city also may have another workshop for potential buyers, and to boost awareness of the program, he said.

In the program, the city is buying, rehabilitating or rebuilding and selling 17 foreclosed homes. It is funded by $2.7 million in federal stimulus money from the national Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and comes with incentives that could help buyers get the homes at a discount.

The city must spend the money by Feb. 11, 2013.

Also Tuesday, council members raised city fees to store and process impounded vehicles significantly.

The administrative fee went up from $50 to $150 a day, and the daily storage fee from $5 to $20.

The city tows about 15 to 20 vehicles a year to its impound garage, the result of DUI or other seizures, investigations for evidence in hit-and-runs or other crimes, or owner abandonment.

Once an investigation is complete, the city notifies the owner to pick up the vehicle. Once notification has been received, the fees kick in.

The council hopes the increase will encourage owners to pick up their vehicles promptly. Consideration will be given to those who need financial help paying the fees.

To apply for the housing program

Under the terms of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, buyers must have a household income of not more than 120 percent of the area’s median income, which in Whiteside County is $56,000 for a family of four.