County Supervisors rescind tax sale due to legal technicality

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors convened on March 11, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a significant discussion regarding a property tax sale and subsequent rescission.

The meeting began with a review of a case involving a property that had been sold due to unpaid taxes. A representative from the tax collector's office explained that the sale was based on an error in the legal description associated with the property. The board members discussed the implications of this error, noting that the procedural aspects of tax sale law do not consider individual hardships but focus solely on whether the sale was valid.

During the meeting, a property owner expressed concerns about access to their business, which was affected by the sale of the property in question. The owner explained that the property was fenced and that they had no prior knowledge of its status as government land. This led to a broader discussion about the responsibilities of property owners regarding tax payments and the importance of maintaining accurate property records.

Supervisor Pacheco summarized the situation, emphasizing that the legal description error warranted a rescission of the sale. He noted that while the property owner had not maintained the property for over a year, the circumstances surrounding the sale were primarily procedural. Pacheco highlighted the need for property owners to stay current on their taxes to avoid such situations.

Following the discussion, a motion was made to rescind the sale based on the legal technicality identified. The motion received unanimous support from the board members, leading to the decision to reverse the sale and allow the original owner the opportunity to rectify their tax situation.

The meeting then transitioned to the next agenda item, indicating a structured approach to addressing the various issues facing Fresno County. Overall, the board's decision reflects a commitment to procedural fairness while also underscoring the importance of tax compliance among property owners.