County hears tax-foreclosure presentation from outside counsel; decision deferred

Christopher McElgin, an attorney who represents counties on tax-foreclosure work, described how his firm handles tax-foreclosure actions and provides related title and redemption services. He told commissioners that his firm typically charges a flat legal fee that the county would add to each parcel s part of the redemption cost; he said a county fee he anticipated for Bourbon County would be about $350 per parcel, plus service costs and title work, but he called that a starting estimate to be confirmed.

McElgin described the firm s offering a one-stop process: the attorney handles notices and service, helps maximize property redemptions, manages sheriff nd judicial sale processes, and produces documentation to help buyers clear title afterward. He cautioned that buyers at tax sales often face difficulty obtaining title insurance because tax-foreclosure sales are judicial and often considered "buyer beware." He said the firm works to compile evidence of service and notice and to assist later buyers with establishing marketable title, but that some title companies remain reluctant to insure tax-sale purchases.

Commissioners asked questions about fees, process, and practical outcomes for buyers and the county. McElgin said his firm is prepared to act as tax-foreclosure counsel, provide sample contracts and a resolution, and serve as an intermediary for title work. After discussion the commission moved to table the decision and asked McElgin to provide written sample engagement documents; McElgin said he would send sample engagement letters and an agent letter for the commission to review.

No contract was signed at the meeting. A commissioner said the board would make a decision after reviewing McElgin nd staff materials at a subsequent meeting.