The City of Jefferson offers relief for residents that demolish dilapidated homes.

City Administrator Mike Palmer says the City offers up to $2,000 in reimbursements for homes that are demolished through the Neighborhood Incentive Program. He explains the process.

“A private property owner will come in and demolish the house, show proof that it’s all demolished according to what the City regulations are and in turn, our City Building Inspector will recommend that they get reimbursed up to $2,000 or 50 percent of the demolition cost.”

The City sets aside money every year to continue the program, which Palmer points out has been a success.

“I think we started out at one point just budgeting $10,000 and then it went to $20,000. But over the years, it did start to get a lot of the houses removed that needed to be removed. People took advantage of it and it was a very good program.”

Anyone interested in learning more or who would like an application, may contact City Hall at 386-3111.