MEIGS — The deteriorating nature of Meigs’ downtown was a hot topic Monday night. 

City Attorney Tom Lehman updated the Meigs City Council on the process of building violations and damage in the 2000 block of East Depot Street. 

Lehman said he is in the process of determining building code violations with Thomas County Building Inspection Department and currently has six properties narrowed down. 

“They are the ones most visible to you (the council),” he said. 

The building at 2054 E. Depot St. has the most extensive damage and has been condemned.  

Lehman also discussed two buildings across the street from four properties in question on East Depot Street — 2049 and 2043 E. Depot — also have damage, including windows out on the second floor at one of the buildings. 

The Meigs officials also heard the next phase and a suggested course of action for the buildings. 

According to Lehman, the owner of the 2054 E. Depot building would have to appear in court and declare plans for the property. The City of Meigs sent a letter to the owner two months prior. 

Demolishment would be the next step if the owner does not declare building plans or appear in court, Lehman said. 

Lehman suggested contracting out the demolishment, as the City of Meigs does not have the ability or resources. 

Meigs Mayor Cheryl Walters told the Times-Enterprise the city has not received a response from the owner of 2054 E. Depot St. 

The 2000 block of East Depot Street is all that remains of the original downtown Meigs, Walters said. 

To request a building inspection, the Meigs City Council would have to declare an address or five residents declare problems with an address, Lehman said. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.