Wise County property owner faces back taxes and pending legal action

During the recent Decatur Building Standards Commission workshop, significant discussions centered around a property with outstanding tax issues and ongoing legal matters. The commission reviewed a timeline of actions taken regarding the property, which has been under scrutiny since August 2023 due to unpaid taxes exceeding $3,000.

The commission highlighted that multiple notifications were sent to the property owner, Chris Balfour Hernandez, including certified letters and public hearing notifications. Despite these efforts, there has been no response from Hernandez, raising concerns about the property's future and compliance with local standards.

Key documents presented included a Wise County Tax Assessor's Tax Certificate, which confirmed the back taxes owed, and an ownership and encumbrance report. The latter was ordered on May 30, 2025, and provided by Wise County, clarifying the ownership status of the property.

The commission also noted that public hearing notifications were mailed and posted on the property on May 28, with a formal notice published in the Wise County Messenger on June 5, 2025. These steps are part of the commission's efforts to ensure transparency and compliance with local regulations.

As the commission moves forward, the lack of communication from the property owner remains a critical issue. The outcome of this case could have implications for property standards and enforcement in Decatur, highlighting the importance of community engagement in addressing local housing and property concerns. The commission is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely, aiming to uphold the standards that benefit the community as a whole.