County will pursue in‑rem/tax deed actions and return with tracking and deed‑restriction guidance for tax‑delinquent parcels

Administrator Leonard told the committee he intends to proceed with in‑rem or tax deed actions on delinquent parcels unless the committee directs otherwise and that staff has recently mailed tax deed letters on 44 properties.

The administrator said staff will produce process tracking documents to show parcels in process and those on deck, and requested committee guidance on whether deed restrictions should be placed on specific parcels (for example, covenants limiting short‑term rentals or requiring on‑site housing within a set period). He also asked for direction on sale method: the county has had success using Wisconsin Surplus for many parcels, but small "slivers and orphans" (strips or corners omitted from larger legal descriptions) may be better handled by first offering adjoining landowners an opportunity to acquire the piece rather than a broad surplus listing.

The committee generally supported staff proceeding with in‑rem/tax deed actions to reduce the backlog and asked administration to return after the first of the year with a review of how the process is working and any recommended ordinance or policy changes. Corporation Counsel is researching whether direct offers to adjoining owners are permissible for slivers and orphans, and administration plans to seek committee guidance on deed restrictions and sale methods as part of periodic reporting.

Administrator Leonard said he will bring a batch of parcels to committee where staff is evaluating whether an alternate approach to Wisconsin Surplus would be warranted and that the county hopes to clear a backlog of roughly 65–70 properties by the end of the year.