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City attorney explains plan to file mass foreclosure petitions to collect delinquent taxes
Summary
The commission authorized the city attorney to file mass‑foreclosure petitions for roughly 25 properties selected from about 80 notices sent earlier in the year; Mark Pfeiffer outlined the legal and notice process and said homeowners retain rights to answer in court.
The Owensboro City Commission granted the city attorney authority to file mass‑foreclosure actions to collect delinquent tax and nuisance‑abatement liens.
City Attorney Mark Pfeiffer said the city previously mailed notices to roughly 80 homeowners and identified about 25 properties with sufficient tax debt or nuisance liens to justify foreclosure. He described the filing mechanics—title runs, identifying mortgage holders and lienholders, preparing a petition of roughly 60–70 pages, and notifying owners by publication and direct letter. "They have the right to file an answer and assert their interest in the property," Pfeiffer said, describing the ordinary foreclosure process.
Pfeiffer explained the city's objectives include collecting unpaid taxes and transferring demolished or blighted properties to owners who will put them to productive use. The municipal order authorizes the city attorney's office to file these petitions over the next two to three years as appropriate.
The commission approved Municipal Order 32‑2024 on a voice vote.
