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Commissioners authorize survey of small county-owned parcel after title dispute; quitclaim deed discussed
Summary
Ramsey County commissioners voted to have a county-owned sliver of land surveyed after a neighboring property owner's attorney raised a title question; staff and county counsel discussed whether to sign a quitclaim deed or require a quiet-title process.
The Ramsey County Board voted to commission a survey of a small county-owned parcel after a neighboring landowner's attorney raised concerns that the county's tax deed created a cloud on the neighbor's title.
County legal counsel explained that the parcel was acquired via tax deed around February 2003 for unpaid taxes (roughly $150 as recorded) and that the original tax deed's language is vague. The neighboring owners' attorney requested a quitclaim deed from the county disclaiming ownership of parcels the neighbor already holds by recorded deed. Counsel said the county is not obliged to execute a quitclaim without confirming precisely what the county owns.
Commissioners discussed options: (1) perform a survey to identify the county's boundaries accurately, then consider a quitclaim deed or auction the parcel; or (2) allow the neighboring party to pursue a quiet-title action in court, which would also require a survey and include the county in litigation. Counsel recommended obtaining a survey first so the county knows exactly what it owns before taking further steps.
A motion to have the county property surveyed so the county abstract could be clarified passed by voice vote. Commissioners said the survey would allow staff to confirm county ownership, clear the title record, and — if appropriate — place the parcel up for auction. The board instructed staff to return with survey results and a recommended next step on the quitclaim deed or sale.
