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Newport News resident reports unexpected delinquent-tax notice of about $2,500; council pledges follow-up
Summary
Diane Wynn Hamlet told the City Council she received a first notice of delinquent taxes with approximately $2,500 in fees after buying a foreclosed home; she asked the council to investigate perceived errors and potential predatory practices. Councilman Coleman and staff said they would follow up.
At the Oct. 28 council meeting, Diane Wynn Hamlet described purchasing a foreclosed property in November 2022 and receiving her first delinquent-tax notice from the Newport News Treasurer’s Office with about $2,500 in fees and penalties.
Hamlet said she contacted the Treasurer’s Office and received inconsistent responses and expressed concern the charges reflected predatory practices. She said she sought assistance through a Fort Eustis legal/casualty assistance center and cited "VA code 581-3916" while asking the council to review her case and whether similar problems are affecting others.
Mayor (presiding) and Councilman Coleman responded on the record: the mayor said council does not have direct purview over the Treasurer’s Office but pledged to help get the issue resolved; Councilman Coleman told Hamlet he would contact the Treasurer and work to straighten out the matter. The manager and council offered to meet with Hamlet after the meeting to begin follow-up.
No formal enforcement action or policy change was taken at the meeting; council members requested administrative follow-up with the Treasurer’s Office.
