Ashland County committee approves hiring realtor to market tax‑delinquent properties

The Ashland County Zoning and Land Committee on Aug. 5 authorized county staff to move forward with Tony Jennings of Crew Real Estate to market tax‑deed and delinquent‑tax properties after receiving one RFP response and an extended discussion of incentives, legal constraints and budget impacts.

Committee members and staff said the county’s delinquent list grew after notices for 2022 delinquent taxes were mailed and that the county faces both a growing inventory of parcels and properties already owned by the county that may require demolition or rehabilitation before resale. Committee members asked staff to work with corporate counsel and the realtor to develop a practical, legally defensible approach to selling marginal parcels.

Zoning staff reported only one RFP response, from Tony Jennings and Crew Real Estate. Committee members discussed whether to structure compensation as a minimum fee per parcel (committee discussion proposed a $1,000 minimum) or the standard commission rate, with the greater of the two to apply for low‑value parcels. Members repeatedly raised the need to confirm what constitutes a “reasonable” realtor fee under state law and how realtor compensation would affect any excess proceeds owed to former property owners.

Members also discussed operational steps: screening which delinquent parcels are economically worthwhile to foreclose on, consulting a realtor to provide quick site assessments for marginal properties, and coordinating with municipalities when lots adjoin city parcels. Staff said corporate counsel had been contacted for guidance on whether the county may sell properties at below‑market prices with rehabilitation conditions and on limits to realtor compensation.

The committee approved a motion to proceed with Jennings as the county’s realtor for tax‑deed properties; the motion was made by Pat Kenny and seconded by Jim Schultz and passed by voice vote. Staff were directed to finalize contract details with Jennings and corporate counsel and to begin listing properties as appropriate. Committee members also discussed earmarking budget contingency funds to cover upfront costs in cases where sale proceeds might not cover back taxes, demolition or realtor fees, with staff noting contingency funds were available and that zoning would coordinate budget charges as needed.

The committee’s action gives staff authority to continue negotiations and begin sales activity while requiring follow‑up with corporate counsel to ensure compliance with state statute and to document the county’s approach to realtor compensation and handling of proceeds.