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Tax‑collector letters expose long‑dormant waste liens; county to report totals and options
Summary
Commissioners raised concerns after the tax collector sent 400 letters notifying property owners of historic waste‑collection liens, some dating to the 1990s. County counsel said many liens predate actionable limitation periods and the board asked staff to return with a list of lien counts and dollar totals and recommended next steps.
Multiple commissioners raised a problem after the Hendry County tax collector mailed roughly 400 notices about unpaid waste‑collection liens that, in many cases, stemmed from the early 2000s or 1990s.
Commissioners said residents were surprised by the notices and asked how far back the tax collector could legally pursue collection. County attorney Matt Rollerson said the liens are recorded and valid on title but that statutory limitations bar some legal collection actions for older liens; he recommended staff compile the list of affected accounts and the total dollar exposure so the board could consider whether to offer relief, waive fees or adopt other policies.
Commissioner remarks indicated concern about administering notices without prior county coordination; the board asked staff to return with a report that includes the number of outstanding liens, total unpaid amounts and options for relief or clarification to affected property owners. No immediate relief was granted at the meeting.
Ending: Staff will compile lien counts and dollar totals and return at the next board meeting with recommendations for handling long‑dormant waste liens and suggested outreach to affected property owners.
