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Bannock County commissioners deny Patty Ann Murillos request for property tax relief
Summary
At a hardship hearing, the county denied a request for relief on a Johnny Creek parcel after staff said Murillo holds a homeowner's exemption on a different property and the tax arrears were small; commissioners encouraged applying for available exemptions and said the family may return if circumstances change.
Bannock County commissioners denied a request on first-half 2024 property taxes for 3575 Johnny Creek during a hardship hearing, saying the property owner already holds a homeowner's exemption on a different parcel and is not in immediate risk of tax loss. The motion to deny relief passed by voice vote.
The decision matters because Murillo asked for help after losing access to credit tied to a HELOC and credit-card accounts, which her son said left the household short while he undergoes recurring cancer treatment. County staff told commissioners the past-due amount on the Johnny Creek parcel is $1,224.92, of which roughly $1,094.62 is principal tax; interest and late charges listed on the county screen are $6.41 and $23.89 respectively.
Treasurers office staff said Murillo receives a property tax relief benefit (PTR) on a different property in 2023 and did not apply for PTR in 2024. The staff member noted Murillo has a homeowner's exemption on the other parcel and encouraged her to apply to have the exemption transferred to the Johnny Creek address for 2025. "You're in no position that you're gonna lose your house," the staff member said when describing the countys current enforcement posture.
At the hearing, Murillo's son, Patrick Murillo, described the household's financial strain, saying bank actions closed out a line of credit and left them with few options while he undergoes further surgery. "They ruined her credit ... they left her with no HELOC, and they've left her with bad credit and no credit cards and nothing to make a payment," he said.
Commissioners discussed limited options. One commissioner said the county could consider waiving or discounting finance charges at a later date if the household shows continued hardship, but that, given the small current penalty amount and the existence of another homestead exemption, the county would not waive the tax obligation now. The motion made at the hearing directed denial of the requested relief and to expect taxes to be paid on the Johnny Creek property; the vote was recorded by voice and names were not specified in the transcript.
The county record shows the second half of the 2024 taxes for the parcel will be due June 20; staff estimated additional interest and charges between now and June would likely be under $100 if unpaid. Commissioners told Murillo she may return with updated information if circumstances change.
