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City attorney: default judgment entered on 6th Street property; sheriff's sale possible if not redeemed
Summary
City staff reported a default judgment on a 6th Street property for maintenance and administrative violations; the court ordered a sheriff's sale if the owner does not redeem the property within 20 days. Staff said the opening bid must equal the tax deficiency (about $7,000) and arrears from 2020'2024 were roughly $1,100 including penalties and interest.
The city attorney reported that a default judgment was entered on a 6th Street property for maintenance and administrative violations and that the court ordered a sheriff's sale if the owner does not redeem the property within the required 20-day redemption period.
The attorney explained that the opening bid at the sheriff's sale must equal the tax deficiency and that, in this case, the opening amount is "I think it's like $7,000"; arrearages for 2020 through 2024 including penalties and interest were described as about $1,100. The attorney said that if a nominal bid were the only bid (for example, a dollar), the city would need to pursue court action to clear title and may need council approval of a resolution waiving special assessments to convey the property free of liens.
Why this matters: sheriff's sales following default judgments are a legal remedy for unpaid taxes and special assessments; the process can result in a third party acquiring property subject to statutory redemption rules and potential liens. Clearing title to enable conveyance after a nominal bid may require additional council authorization.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the lot size, whether the structure is rebuildable and what authority the CRA or county might have to pursue rehabilitation; staff answered that some variances or additional approvals could be necessary for rebuilding and that the CRA could participate financially if appropriate.
Next steps: staff will monitor the redemption period and, if necessary, return to the council with recommended actions (including a resolution to waive assessments if the city elects to clear liens to facilitate transfer).
