Committee Authorizes Tax Deeds on 17 Delinquent Parcels; Decision on Deed Restrictions Deferred

Administrator Lance Leonard advised the committee that 17 parcels listed in the meeting packet could proceed to tax deed if unpaid by Nov. 3 and requested direction on whether deed‑restriction language should be applied to parcels the county acquires.

“We have 17 parcels that are listed,” Leonard said, noting some owners had paid since the packet was prepared and that prior batches produced repurchases and several evictions. He described four appraisals in process and two parcels where eviction actions were under way.

Committee members questioned how bankruptcy and probate affect takings. Brian, a county legal staffer, cautioned that bankruptcy stays can delay tax‑deed actions and that taxes are generally not discharged by bankruptcy plans. “I will start by saying that I am not a bankruptcy attorney,” Brian said, and then explained the typical Chapter 13 cram‑down and repayment consequences discussed in the packet.

Supervisors debated whether deed restrictions should be placed at the time of taking or later. Several members said the county’s ordinance gives a 90‑day repurchase window for former owners and suggested authorizing the takings now while deciding restriction policy during that period. Supervisor Poole said he favored authorizing takings but opposed applying deed restrictions without clear evidence they were needed; other members noted the county board had previously endorsed restricting parcels to preserve housing stock.

Chair Gibbs moved to authorize tax deeds on the 17 listed parcels if they remain unpaid by Nov. 3; Supervisor Lemmer seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The committee directed staff to proceed with takings as allowed and to return with additional information about whether deed restrictions affect sales prices before placing restrictions on specific parcels.

Clarifying details reported in the packet included an earlier larger batch of 53 properties that produced 15 repurchases and four appraisals in process; staff said most of the 17 parcels before the committee are improved properties potentially suitable for housing. The packet also describes parcels removed from process for bankruptcy or probate, and staff noted that repurchase prices included settlement of recorded liens so lienholders were paid when owners repurchased.

The action authorizing takings does not itself impose deed restrictions; the committee will consider which parcels, if any, should receive deed restrictions during the statutorily required repurchase period.