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Commission to turn unsold tax properties over to trustee as current trustee resigns
Summary
The St. Francois County Commission voted to turn unsold real-estate tax properties to a trustee after learning the current trustee submitted a resignation effective March 1. Commissioners asked staff to secure a written contract with a replacement and to clarify whether the trustee fee is mandated by state statute or negotiable.
S1 moved that the county turn over unsold real-estate tax properties to the trustee for collection, citing a total of $2,555.43 in unpaid taxes; S4 seconded the motion and the chair called the question.
The commission discussed logistics after S3 reported the trustee submitted a resignation effective March 1. S3 explained how the trustee currently handles sales: the trustee sells a property for the tax amount, receives 10% of the proceeds and pays recording and deed-transfer costs out of that amount. Commissioners said they expect to have to contract with a replacement trustee and requested that the terms — including whether the 10% fee is set by state statute or negotiable in contract — be clarified in writing before proceeding.
S1 asked commissioners to forward candidate names for a replacement trustee. S2 and other members emphasized the need for a written contract and noted many counties use a collector's office employee or an internal staff member to perform trustee duties. The commission recorded the voice vote approving the turnover to a trustee and directed staff to pursue a new contract and confirm the statutory or contractual basis for trustee compensation.
The commission also discussed administrative steps for the transition: staff should solicit applications or recommendations, confirm the effective date for any change in trustee, and ensure accounting reflects trustee fees and recording costs. S3 said Barb (county staff referenced in the discussion) had explained the trustee's financial process and offered to provide training or transition help where possible. The commission flagged the issue for follow-up at the next meeting.
Next steps: staff to draft and present a written contract for a new trustee, confirm whether a 10% fee is statutory or negotiable, and solicit candidate referrals from commissioners.
