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Treasurer reports tax‑foreclosure schedule, contamination‑site work and evolving claims window
Summary
Treasurer Karen updated the committee on recent tax‑foreclosure auctions and environmental sampling at two sites, and warned the board that recent court decisions open a new window for claims against foreclosure proceeds.
Karen, Jackson County treasurer, briefed the committee on tax‑foreclosure auction timing, environmental work at two contaminated sites and the county’s exposure to property‑tax claims following recent court decisions.
The nut graf: The treasurer said two parcels will be re‑offered at a minimum‑bid reoffer auction on Sept. 26 after sales in the Aug. 5 auction failed to close; the final no‑minimum‑bid auction is scheduled for Nov. 3. She also summarized ongoing sampling and remediation coordination at the Mechanic Street and Angling Avenue sites and described a new claimant window prompted by the Schaeffer decision and a proposed Fox settlement.
Karen said a title‑check contractor added a minimum‑bid reoffer auction for Sept. 26 for two parcels whose August 5 sales did not close because buyers did not pay. The treasurer said the county’s final, no‑minimum‑bid foreclosure auction will be Nov. 3.
On environmental sites, Karen said contractors have done sampling, well installation and air monitoring at Mechanic Street and ongoing sampling at Angling Avenue. She said the EPA has communicated about the Mechanic Street site and that the EPA is considering installing perimeter fencing. Karen said she is advocating with EPA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) for state funding that might support demolition of partial buildings at Mechanic Street, but she cautioned nothing is firm and an Oct. 1 state budget deadline could affect available funds.
On tax‑foreclosure claim exposure, Karen updated required reporting tied to the Rafaele decision and said the Schaeffer decision opens a new claimant window. She said the county has paid just under $300,000 in claims to date and cited a set of 2024 cycle claims totaling $89,720.21. Karen said the new claims process tied to recent decisions is time‑limited and that she believed the deadline to file was Oct. 1; she added claimants may file directly with the treasurer’s office or through attorneys.
Commissioners asked about a specific condemned building in the village of Hanover; Karen said the treasurer’s office will continue to work with the village and the health department. No committee action was taken on the treasurer’s report; the committee subsequently moved to receive the report.
