Casco County Collector Chris Mollendorf Prepares for Delinquent Tax Sale and Senior Enrollment

The Cass County Commission meeting held on August 20, 2025, focused on several key issues affecting the community, including the upcoming delinquent real estate tax sale and open enrollment for senior citizens.

The meeting commenced with a resolution, identified as Resolution 25 88, which passed unanimously with three votes in favor and none against. Following this, the Cass County Clerk's Office presented a destruction list for record-keeping purposes.

Chris Mollendorf, the Collector of Revenue, provided an update on two significant matters. He announced that the delinquent real estate tax sale is scheduled for Monday at 10 AM on the courthouse steps. Currently, 55 bidders are registered to bid on 51 properties, which include a mix of commercial, agricultural, and residential options. Mollendorf emphasized the efforts made by his office to reduce the number of properties available for sale, noting that some properties have been undesirable in previous years. He expressed gratitude for community volunteers who will assist during the auction process and confirmed that law enforcement will be present to ensure order.

Mollendorf also discussed the open enrollment period for senior citizens, which is set to close on August 29. He highlighted the challenges faced in reaching out to approximately 9,900 households that had signed up the previous year, noting that around 800 households have either moved or passed away. His office has successfully enrolled an additional 3,000 households this year. Mollendorf stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the program, especially in light of ongoing lawsuits regarding the tax credit program.

In response to questions, Mollendorf indicated that seniors could verify their registration status by contacting his office directly. He also mentioned plans to improve communication with seniors regarding the enrollment process, moving away from postcards to more formal letters to ensure clarity and privacy.

The meeting concluded with Mollendorf thanking his staff for their hard work during this busy period, as they continue to manage both the tax sale and senior enrollment processes. The commission's next steps will involve monitoring the outcomes of the tax sale and ensuring that seniors are informed and supported through the enrollment process.