County Executive authorizes removal of 900 properties from August tax sale

During the Jackson County Land Use Committee meeting on June 18, 2025, significant discussions centered around the management of delinquent property taxes and the implications of pending litigation on property sales. The committee addressed the complexities of state statute 141, which governs the collection of delinquent taxes and mandates the sale of properties after a certain period.

A key point raised was the county's ability to remove properties from tax sales when they are involved in ongoing litigation. This practice is not uncommon; properties entangled in disputes over ownership or those affected by the abandoned housing act can be excluded from sales to avoid complications. The county executive has already authorized the removal of over 900 residential properties from the upcoming August tax sale. These properties experienced a tax increase of more than 15% from the previous year, which is currently under review due to pending litigation.

The rationale behind this decision is primarily to prevent potential legal and administrative chaos that could arise if properties were sold and later found to be subject to unresolved disputes. Selling these properties could lead to a situation where the county would have to reverse sales, complicating ownership transfers and burdening taxpayers and the court system.

The committee emphasized that while fairness arguments could be made for removing these properties from sale, the primary concern is the logistical challenges that would ensue if litigation outcomes necessitated undoing sales. Notifications regarding the removal of these properties are expected to be sent out soon, ensuring transparency in the process.

In conclusion, the discussions highlighted the county's proactive approach to managing delinquent taxes while navigating the complexities of property ownership disputes. The removal of these properties from the tax sale reflects a commitment to maintaining order and fairness in the county's tax collection processes, while also safeguarding the interests of taxpayers and potential buyers.