Midwest City council adopts ordinance enabling city foreclosure on certain municipal liens (owner-occupied properties exempt)

The Midwest City Council adopted an ordinance to implement a recent change in Oklahoma law that gives municipalities the authority to foreclose and execute on certain municipal liens. The ordinance mirrors the state statute and is intended to provide the city an additional tool to address blighted, neglected or repeatedly noncompliant properties.

City staff explained the ordinance applies only to non–owner-occupied properties. “This does not apply to any person who is an owner occupied, the property,” a city presenter said while describing the statutory exemption. Under the ordinance, the city may pursue foreclosure on liens of $1,500 or more placed for actions such as weed cutting, trash removal, or other code-enforcement work when the owner does not remedy violations.

Staff said the authority reduces the wait for county sheriff's-sale procedures (which can take years) and may improve the city’s ability to address properties that have become dilapidated. Staff emphasized the ordinance does not mandate foreclosure; it provides the city the option to file a foreclosure action after liens meet statutory thresholds.

Council members asked practical questions about process, including appraisal and minimum bid rules for foreclosure sales. Staff said the property is appraised and initial auction bid must meet two-thirds of appraised value under the process described.

The council approved the ordinance by unanimous voice vote. Staff noted the state law takes effect Nov. 1 and the city's ordinance will become effective thereafter.