Council members raised questions about the city’s administration of adjudicated or delinquent properties and the vendors that handle notices and sales, saying it was unclear whether the city received expected revenue from tax‑sale activity.

Council members referenced CivicSource and other third‑party vendors that send notice of delinquent taxes and assist with adjudication sales. Staff said CivicSource does the notices and that companies such as Silasco (named in discussion) have performed tax‑sale advertisement and sale functions for the city.

At the meeting councilors asked staff to compile a history of adjudicated property sales, including the properties sold, sale prices, vendor fees and net revenue to the city. Council members said the sale and advertising process should be evaluated for transparency and to determine whether the city is realizing full value for adjudicated properties.

Officials also said the city has the authority to pursue adjudicated properties but historically has not consistently taken title; instead, outside vendors or buyers have been used to clear title. Staff said they would obtain records showing which properties were sold and for what amounts and would examine whether the current vendor arrangement is producing the best return.

Why it matters: Adjudicated property and tax‑sale processes can be a source of municipal revenue and influence the availability and maintenance of vacant properties; councilors signaled they want a review to ensure the process is advertised and operated transparently and that proceeds are properly recorded in the budget.