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Council approves delinquent-tax sale conveyance; members question how cleanup costs and discounts are handled
Summary
The council approved a motion to move a delinquent-tax sale ordinance (bill 25-05128) toward finalization; during discussion members raised concerns about forgiving abatement and cleanup charges and asked staff to review applicable statutes and procedures.
The Jefferson County Council voted to approve and move Bill 25-05128 (a delinquent tax trustee sale/conveyance) to perfection and final passage, with a recorded vote of 7-0.
During discussion before the vote, Councilman Brown raised concerns about the net amount being accepted to clear liens and cleanup charges on the property. He noted the county had paid roughly $5,000 in abatement and cleanup costs and questioned whether accepting a reduced payment recovers sufficient money for the county, especially relative to the long timeframe for tax collections to recoup that expense.
Councilman Brown urged the council to review the county’s process for accepting lower offers on tax-sale properties and suggested considering alternatives such as placing properties out for community bidding if the county is prepared to accept significantly reduced amounts. Another council member asked for clarification about statutory limits and which authorities govern what the county can accept; the clerk and others noted the collector’s office prepared the bill and that staff would follow statutes governing delinquent tax sales.
Outcome and next steps: The motion to approve Bill 25-05128 and move it forward passed unanimously, and the council asked staff and the collector’s office to follow up on the legal framework and report back on whether changes to procedures or bidding practices are advisable.
