Oak Park residents urged to act before March 31 foreclosure deadline, county treasurer says

Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg told the Oak Park City Council on March 17 that residents who owe 2022 or earlier property taxes must pay or enter a repayment agreement by March 31 to avoid foreclosure.

Wittenberg walked council members through the county’s three‑year tax‑collection timeline — delinquent, forfeiture (lien), then foreclosure — and said the treasurer’s office pursues outreach to prevent loss of homes. “March 31 is the deadline for people to pay their 2022 and prior year taxes,” he said, and urged residents to contact the treasurer’s office for help.

He described taxpayer assistance meetings (one‑on‑one) and the county’s Financial Empowerment Center, and provided the county’s phone number and website for residents seeking help: (248) 858‑0672 and oakgov.com/treasurer. Wittenberg said the office also sends additional notices and visits properties to make sure owners are aware of obligations.

Wittenberg shared Oakland County statistics showing foreclosures have declined from their highs after the recession and noted that Oak Park accounted for three foreclosures in the most recent year reviewed. He said county auctions are held online and that surplus proceeds after a sale are distributed through a judicial process; claim forms must be submitted by July 1 after a foreclosure sale.

Council members asked how Oak Park compares with other communities; Wittenberg said Oak Park’s foreclosure numbers are relatively low compared with larger cities in the county. He also said the treasurer’s office tracks auction purchasers to ensure bidders meet requirements and to enforce bidding restrictions where necessary.

The presentation closed with a reminder that interest and fees are added monthly to delinquent taxes and the treasurer’s office cannot waive statutory interest or fees; residents were advised to contact the county to arrange repayment or discuss possible exemptions through the city assessor.