Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Services And Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newport News resident raises complaint about delayed tax notice and fees; council pledges follow-up
Summary
At public comment a resident said she discovered a delinquent-tax notice with over $2,500 in fees after purchasing a foreclosed home in November 2022 and requested help. Councilman Coleman and the mayor said they would follow up with the treasurer's office to resolve the matter.
Diane Wynn Hamlet told the City Council on Oct. 28 that she purchased a foreclosed property in November 2022 and only recently received a treasurer's office letter dated July 16 indicating delinquent taxes and more than $2,500 in fees and penalties. Hamlet said she had contacted the treasurer's office and received unclear explanations and that she is currently furloughed.
Hamlet asked council to investigate what she described as "predatory practices" and asked for help resolving the fees. Council members responded: the mayor said the council does not have direct purview over the treasurer's office but would help coordinate; Councilman Coleman said he had already made inquiries and would follow up and called for patience while staff sorts the issue. The city manager and council members invited Hamlet to meet after the meeting so staff and the councilman could begin resolving the matter.
No formal vote was taken. Council guidance was limited to administrative follow-up and contact between the resident, Councilman Coleman and the treasurer's office.
