Washington County to advertise $786,175.86 in unpaid 2021 property taxes

At its Feb. 7, 2022 meeting the Washington County Board of Commissioners authorized the Tax Administrator to advertise unpaid 2021 property taxes that are liens on real property, totaling $786,175.86 as of Jan. 31, 2022.

Clerk Julie J. Bennett presented notes from Tax Office Administrator Sherri Wilkins showing the total delinquent amount and the planned collection process. Wilkins’ notes, as read into the record, stated that letters would be mailed the week of March 7 to notify taxpayers of delinquencies and that the county would advertise the delinquencies in April. The notes explained that after advertising the delinquent taxes the county could refer the amounts for foreclosure. Wilkins’ memo also said the delinquent-tax coordinator has already initiated wage garnishments and bank attachments and that taxpayers are contacting the office to set up monthly payment agreements aimed at paying amounts by June 2022.

Legal basis cited: the clerk’s notes referenced North Carolina General Statute NCGS 105-369(a) in support of advertising tax liens. The board voted to allow the Tax Administrator to advertise pursuant to that statute. Commissioner William R. Sexton Jr. made the motion and Commissioner Carol V. Phelps seconded; the roll-call vote was unanimous.

What the record shows and what it does not: the minutes record the total delinquent amount ($786,175.86) and the planned notice/advertisement schedule, but they do not list the names or parcels of delinquent taxpayers in the meeting minutes. The minutes note that enforcement tools (wage garnishment, bank attachment, foreclosure) are being used when necessary and that payment agreements are being offered.