Gilliam County Court spent a portion of its Sept. 17 meeting reviewing House Bill 2089, new state legislation that changes how counties must handle proceeds from sales of foreclosed properties.

Under the new statute, counties holding foreclosed properties must provide a public sale procedure and remit sale proceeds to the Oregon State Treasury so owners or heirs may claim residual funds after taxes, fees and costs are deducted. For properties assessed under $250,000 the statute requires a public high‑bid auction with a starting bid set at two‑thirds of fair market value; properties above that threshold require appraisal in the procedure described on the statute.

The court discussed three county-owned properties deeded to Gilliam County following foreclosures in October 2023 (the Pamela Stark property, a Monroe parcel and a Skip Perry parcel). Court members noted these properties are in holding status and expressed interest in returning them to the tax rolls but said implementation requires legal counsel guidance on auction mechanics (public live bidding versus sealed bids), handling of potential liens, and the process by which heirs would claim funds from the State Treasury.

County staff said they had consulted an assessor and a contact from Clatsop (?) County with experience implementing the statute and will ask the county attorney for formal counsel. No sale action was taken at the Sept. 17 meeting; staff will report back with legal options and recommended auction procedures.