Council approves tax-resale sale of two Carroll Avenue parcels; acceptance returns properties to tax rolls

The Lufkin City Council approved a tax-resale auction bid for two parcels at 805 and 807 Carroll Avenue, accepting a request from the city's tax attorney to approve the sale to Delfina Morales Baron.

Kevin introduced the item and said the request came from Linebarger, Grogan, Blair and Sampson, the city's tax attorney. Christy Skiller, the city attorney, explained the parcels had been resold previously and that county rules limit the amount the city can recover on a subsequent resale. Skiller said this was the third resale of the properties and under county ordinance and statute the city can recover 20% of the minimum bid from the last resale, which is why the approved amount is substantially below the original adjudged value.

Skiller gave background numbers: the adjudged value in 2021 was $9,600; at the second offering the required minimum was $1,950 and the property sold for $1,920. Staff explained acceptance of the bid allows the property to return to the tax rolls despite the amount being below delinquent taxes owed. Council members asked location and condition questions about the lots (flood-prone concerns and lot size). The council moved, seconded and voted to approve the tax-resale sale; the mayor said the motion carries. The transcript does not include a roll-call vote or individual yes/no vote tallies.

Council materials list the parcels as Lot 4 and 5, Lot 12, Sussex Down (listed in packet) and show the addresses as 805 and 807 Carroll Avenue. Staff recommended approval to remove the parcels from the county's struck-off list and return them to taxable status.