Marathon County committee advances resolution to require build-out and short‑term‑rental limits on tax‑foreclosed parcels

Marathon County's Extension Education and Economic Development Committee on Feb. 6 voted unanimously to forward two related measures to the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee that would attach restrictive covenants to properties acquired through the county's tax‑delinquency process.

The measures, presented by County Administrator Mike, would (1) condition future sales of unimproved, buildable tax parcels on construction and occupancy within 24 months of purchase and (2) record covenants prohibiting short‑term rentals for 10 years on parcels sold by the county. The packet also included a draft ordinance amendment to Marathon County Code section 3.2 to reflect recent state law and U.S. Supreme Court guidance on disposition of tax‑delinquent property.

Committee members debated legal risk, enforcement and practical implementation. Administrator Mike said recent court and statutory developments require counties to…