Board approves repurchase for 1500 Thornton Ave. NW in Wilmer after cashier's check for delinquent taxes

Michelle Hanson, elections coordinator and deputy auditor-treasurer, presented a petition from a former owner seeking to repurchase a property at 1500 Thornton Avenue NW in Wilmer that had forfeited to the state after the owner fell behind on payments under a previously executed confession of judgment and repayment plan.

Hanson and County Attorney Shane Baker told the board the county had received a cashier's check to cover the full delinquent balance — taxes, assessments, penalties, interest and costs — totaling $8,833.49, and that under the applicable statute the board may approve a repurchase where certain criteria are met. Baker noted that if the owner had acted earlier the board would not have been required to approve the repurchase; the timing required board action in this case.

Members asked whether the current year's taxes (2025) had been paid; Hanson said the 2025 taxes were not current but that the statutory repurchase review would permit the board to approve the transaction subject to payment of delinquent amounts as described in the resolution. Several commissioners expressed concern about potential re-default but also recognized circumstances and timing; the board moved and approved Resolution 2025-45 to permit the repurchase under the terms presented.