Cass County treasurer reports about 250 parcels at risk of foreclosure; $4.03 million leveraged for blight elimination

The Cass County treasurer reported to the board that approximately 250 parcels remain at risk of foreclosure if delinquent 2023 property taxes are not paid by the March deadline, and said the office is actively contacting homeowners to offer hardship extensions or payment plans.

"Right now, we still have approximately 250 parcels that are at risk of foreclosure if their 2023 delinquent property taxes aren't paid by March," the treasurer said, noting that staff will make phone calls and, if necessary, personal visits to reach homeowners.

The treasurer also briefed the board on land bank activity. Through four rounds of the State Land Bank blight-elimination program, Cass County partnered with 10 municipalities and leveraged $4,027,923.87 in grant funding. The treasurer identified three remaining projects in 2026: stabilization of the former Tailgater Bar in Marcellus, rehabilitation of 117 South Broadway, and rehabilitation of a single-family home in Howard Township; the treasurer said the rehab projects will be completed in late summer.

Commissioners discussed comparisons to previous years; the treasurer said the current inventory at risk is somewhat lower than in prior years because the foreclosure-prevention program was expanded. No new funding decisions were made at the meeting.

Next steps: the treasurer's office will continue outreach to affected homeowners and expects to reduce the at-risk parcel count significantly by March if outreach and payment plans are successful.