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Wasco County to sell 11 tax-foreclosed properties by sealed bid June 17; board cites Tyler v. Hennepin impact
Summary
The Wasco County Board of Commissioners approved surplusing 11 tax-foreclosed properties for a sealed-bid auction June 17. Assessor Jill Emery said changes after the Tyler v. Hennepin decision and pending legislation are altering how excess funds from foreclosures are handled.
Wasco County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the sale of 11 tax-foreclosed county-owned properties by sealed bid, with the auction set for June 17. The motion cited ORS chapter 275 and Wasco County property procedures.
Assessor Jill Emery told commissioners her office has historically run live auctions but is requesting a sealed-bid process because of changing legal and administrative conditions. “Tyler v Hennepin, that's going to change what is done with the excess funds,” Emery said, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and added that state legislation in session could further change how excess funds are distributed and administered.
Emery said the county has used sealed bids successfully in the past and already is receiving phone calls and emails about the listed properties. She said the county will advertise the auction in the designated local newspaper four times, post on the county website, and use social media. Under current county practice and statute, properties not sold at auction can be offered later in a sealed-bid or “across the counter” sale; Emery said policy changes may set a time limit (for example, one year) to prevent prospective buyers from “working the system.”
Emery provided additional procedural details: the county last held an auction in 2022 and usually moves few properties each year; the county intends to hold off taking additional foreclosures until December while legislation and procedures are clarified. She also said some properties may be retained for transfer to partner agencies instead of being sold to the public.
The motion to authorize sealed-bid sales referenced compliance with ORS chapter 275. Commissioners moved and seconded the measure and the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.
