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Delegation debates proposed changes to tax‑sale advertising and notices as county officials urge caution
Summary
The Washington County Delegation discussed a treasurer’s proposal to reduce newspaper advertising for tax sales and require an additional post‑sale notice; county officials urged caution, citing notice concerns and a pending federal lawsuit.
Delegation members discussed draft legislation from the treasurer’s office that would change how county tax‑sale properties are advertised and notified.
The proposal would reduce required newspaper advertising of tax‑sale properties from four insertions to two, require the advertisement to direct readers to the county website for details, and add a second notification to property owners after a sale. Treasurer Matt Breeding (referred to in the discussion) described recent operational changes his office made to send first‑class reminder mailings and said those mailings are both more effective and less costly than broad newspaper circulation. He described mailing 4,523 reminder notices at about $2,250 and said the office now sends multiple reminder notices plus a final legal notice.
County Administrator Michelle Gordon and county counsel Bruce Barriano told the delegation the Board of County Commissioners opposes reducing newspaper advertising amid concerns about notice to property owners and potential legal exposure. Gordon said the board is “not aware of any deficiency in the current or historical practice” of notifying property owners and cited a federal lawsuit filed in July 2024 involving Baltimore City tax‑sale practices as reason to avoid changing Washington County’s procedures while litigation is pending. Barriano noted the board could be the named defendant in similar litigation and would bear legal defense costs.
Delegates asked for additional details and cost comparisons. Treasurer Breeding provided figures for the county’s 2023 newspaper advertising total ($37,000) and said a single weekend ad averaged about $9,250; he argued mailings produce better returns on investment. Delegation leaders said they would reconsider the proposal next week after further review and asked county staff and the treasurer to share additional information.
No vote was taken on the proposed amendments to tax‑sale notification requirements at this meeting.
