The effort to remove blighted structures begun last year by the city of Butler makes sense both from the standpoint of safety and neighborhood appearance. And, it has had some success, albeit not as much or as quickly as residents of some neighborhoods might have hoped.

But as welcome as the blight-removal initiative is, equally important is the city’s desire for renovations to dilapidated homes that officials believe can be salvaged. City officials reportedly are exploring means for making that happen, and they must continue that effort.

According to a statement released by the city, the homes in question are privately owned buildings “in need of responsible new owners.”

Vacant lots aren’t what the city should be advocating, if only because of decreased tax revenue stemming from the lack of a structure on a parcel of land. However, perhaps the more important and broader issue is that many vacant lots in a city like Butler send the message that the community is an undesirable place to live — or otherwise in trouble.

Butler cannot afford to present such an image if it plans for revitalization via new business enterprises and people encouraged to move here.

This city has serious money problems and is flirting with possible bankruptcy in a couple of years, or seeking protection under the state’s fiscally distressed status. But it shouldn’t allow such undesirable possibilities to undermine positive inroads elsewhere.

Aggressively confronting the issue of dilapidated homes and other structures is one of those good available options.

“Our goal is to generate some interest in people buying these (salvageable properties) and turning them into nice residences,” said Councilman Richard Schontz Jr. “Even if we can get just a few of these properties bought and renovated, that puts them back on the tax rolls.”

The city has a list of 33 properties that might be available for rehabilitation, along with a list of 10 properties for sale by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department. The properties are being promoted for renovation under what the city calls its Houses to Homes endeavor. On the possible-for-renovation list are both single-family homes and duplexes.

Some city residents harbor skepticism about whether city officials will remain as committed to the fight against blight as they now say they are. There is a basis for that skepticism, given the stalled effort to redevelop the Island neighborhood in the West End.

But the skeptics must be proved wrong. This housing initiative should be kept at the forefront and be the subject of a report at every city council meeting, even at times when there is nothing substantially new to report.

Meanwhile, there could be a related benefit to fixing up blighted properties. People living near a home that has been renovated might be encouraged to make some needed repairs to their own properties as well, adding to the neighborhood’s overall improved condition and appearance.

Some communities have experienced difficulty attacking blight. Butler has gotten off to a reasonable start in trying to avoid some of the problems and stalemates other communities have encountered.

There are instances when demolition of a blighted property is the only reasonable course, but renovation is more in a community’s best interests for properties that are, basically, structurally sound.

The wrecking ball should be employed only as a last resort.