Commissioners waive remaining code enforcement lien for Altamont property, authorize satisfaction upon payment of any approved reduced amount

The board voted unanimously to grant Morgan Voke’s appeal and reduce a remaining Seminole County code enforcement lien on a parcel in East Altamont from $24,781.10 to $0, authorizing the chairman to execute a satisfaction of lien after any approved payment (none required in this case).

County staff summary Alexis Vaye (Clerk to the Code Enforcement Office) summarized the history: the applicant purchased the property by tax deed in April 2024; three of four prior liens were satisfied by tax deed surplus funds received by the county and a remaining lien of $24,781.10 remained. Staff explained the deputy county manager had denied a lien reduction request because policy generally forbids reductions when a purchaser acquires property with recorded liens; the applicant appealed to the board.

Applicant statement Applicant Morgan Voke described buying adjoining, blighted lots (including one where part of a house crossed a property line), said she had cleaned up the vacant parcel and argued the county had already recovered substantial sums via surplus funds and that the board should make an exception. Voke asked that her appeal fee be made available to future applicants who could not otherwise afford an appeal.

Board action and additional direction District Commissioner Lockhart moved to approve reducing the lien to $0 and authorized the chairman to sign satisfaction of lien documents. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Lockhart also asked staff to consider a mechanism to allow appeal fees paid by successful applicants to assist future applicants; the county manager said staff would explore options and return with recommendations.