Bannock County commissioners approve interest waivers, payment plans and tax-deed actions at tax-deed hearing

The Bannock County Board of Commissioners on an agenda marked as the county's tax-deed hearing approved a series of motions to waive or reduce accrued interest, grant short extensions, accept payment plans and to take several parcels for tax deed.

The hearing matters covered owner requests to waive interest upon sale or payment, a payment plan for a taxpayer on Social Security, estate-related matters where owners were deceased and county staff recommended tax deed, and multiple acceptances to proceed toward tax-deed sale. Commissioners conducted the business by voice votes on each item.

Chief Deputy Treasurer Missy Castlemi told the board she had discussed individual circumstances with property owners and staff and recommended relief in several cases. For homeowner Brett Colson, Castlemi said Colson had health issues, had a buyer lined up and the treasurer's office recommended waiving interest for 2021 through 2024 and giving a 60-day extension to complete a sale. Colson told the board, "I don't even make a thousand dollars a month," and said he is on Medicare and plans to complete a sale through a title company so proceeds can be disbursed directly.

On that…