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County clerk’s office walks commissioners through tax‑certificate and tax‑deed sale process; buyers cautioned to do due diligence
Summary
County staff explained tax‑certificate sales, redemption rules, title searches, lien timing and surplus funds processing, emphasizing that opening bids do not include liens attached after the title search and that buyers must conduct due diligence.
County staff gave a detailed administrative briefing to the Board of County Commissioners on the county’s tax‑certificate/tax‑deed sale process, stressing common pitfalls for buyers and the timeline for auctions and post‑sale processing.
Staff explained that tax certificate sales originate with the tax collector when property taxes become delinquent; purchasing a tax certificate does not immediately transfer property ownership. After a minimum holding period (described in the presentation as two years, with a maximum of seven), a certificate holder may apply to initiate a tax‑deed sale. At the county clerk’s office, staff process the application, prepare title‑search documentation and set the property for online auction; opening bids typically cover tax, interest and fees but do not reflect subsequent liens that can be recorded between the title search and the sale.
"It's kind of the buyer beware," the county speaker said, advising prospective bidders to examine official records, parcel numbers and outstanding liens in the clerk's database. Staff noted properties can be redeemed up to the point a bidder completes payment, and surplus funds after a sale are subject to a 120‑day claims period under the statute cited in the presentation. The presentation also walked commissioners through common scenarios — redemptions, cancellations, unsold properties and the county’s process for recording and disbursing tax deeds.
Commissioners and staff discussed how code‑enforcement liens and magistrate fines can be backdated, sometimes creating surprises for bidders. Staff demonstrated where auction listings and title summaries appear on the clerk’s website and offered to help residents use official records if they need assistance.
The briefing closed with staff encouraging public education: potential bidders should use the county’s online resources or contact the clerk’s office to verify liens and title history before placing bids.
