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Administrator outlines plan to advance foreclosure and tax-deed actions for delinquent parcels
Summary
County administrator reported progress on delinquent tax parcels: letters went out in April and May; the office adjusted the notification process and is pursuing both in rem (court) and tax-deed tracks with a goal of starting actions on roughly 173 eligible parcels this year.
Marathon County Administrator Leonard updated the infrastructure committee on progress addressing delinquent tax parcels and said staff are pursuing both in-rem (court) and tax-deed processes depending on parcel characteristics.
Leonard said April letters were based on the previous, longer process; after committee-authorized ordinance changes, May mailings reflected a shortened timeline. Of the recent mailings, 22 parcels are proceeding via the in-rem (court) process and 43 parcels were initiated through tax-deed notices because the treasurer’s office had already purchased certified mailing.
Leonard described a two-track strategy: use in-rem filings for parcels where court involvement and potential eviction are likely to be necessary or helpful, and use tax-deed processes where faster administrative transfer is appropriate. He said staff will evaluate which method best suits different parcel types — occupied parcels may be better served by court filings, while unoccupied or commercial parcels may be moved through tax-deed procedures.
The administrator said 173 parcels are currently eligible for action and that staff aim to commence filings on those parcels later this year, potentially grouping many parcels into a single mass in-rem filing for efficiency.
He also said the county is researching options for “sliver” or “orphan” parcels — small irregular pieces of land that abut other properties — and asked Corporation Counsel to advise whether the county can transfer specific small parcels back to adjacent owners in a targeted way without creating legal risk. Leonard noted the county will tailor the method of sale and any deed restrictions to each parcel where appropriate.
Committee members asked for clearer status reporting. Leonard said staff will provide itemized reports on batches of parcels, including parcel identifiers, delinquent tax amounts and the proposed method of divestment.
