Archive Holdings asks Osage County to waive $10,000 penalty after missed tax payment; commission requests paperwork

OSAGE COUNTY, Kan. — A representative for Archive Holdings LLC asked the Osage County Commission on Oct. 7 to consider waiving a roughly $10,000 penalty assessed after a tax payment was missed amid a 2020 mortgage refinancing.

Scott Averill, who said he represents Archive Holdings LLC, told the commission the missed payment resulted from a change in escrow arrangements after the property was refinanced in 2020. He said the owners have paid the missed amount and have filed an appeal with the tax appeals process seeking waiver of the penalty.

Averill described the situation to commissioners: “I came here, pledged my firstborn child, laid myself at the mercy of the court,” and said he had pursued relief through the tax‑appeals process. He asked the commission to accept documentation and to consider waiving the penalty.

Commissioners asked for paperwork. The clerk’s office requested a copy of the tax‑appeals order or notice; Averill said he would forward the document electronically and noted the company had already paid the underlying amount once the missed payment was discovered. Commissioners said they would need to consult with the county counselor, who was not present at the start of the item, before taking any further action.

Outcome: The item was continued to a later date pending submission of the tax‑appeals documentation and review by the county counselor; no vote or penalty waiver occurred on Oct. 7.

Ending: The commission requested the Archive Holdings representative supply the tax‑appeals notice/order electronically and indicated the item will be placed on a future agenda after the county counselor reviews the file.