Special magistrate authorizes foreclosure for SQ Farms LLC over $156,750 unpaid code fine

Amity Barnard, the special magistrate, granted the town’s request to authorize foreclosure against SQ Farms LLC after town staff presented a recorded order assessing a $156,750 fine that remained unpaid.

Deanna Thomas, the town’s code officer, testified that an order assessing the fine was recorded on June 16, 2023, and that an affidavit of compliance dated Feb. 11, 2025, was in the file but the fine had not been paid. The magistrate noted the property is not homestead and told the parties she had limited discretion under state law: “If the town shows me sufficient evidence that they’ve met the criteria that are in the state law for me to authorize them to initiate foreclosure, I don’t have much discretion there.”

Respondent counsel Reginald Stambaugh said his client objects to foreclosure and is engaged in settlement discussions with the town, arguing that new evidence and negotiation could resolve the underlying issues. Stambaugh told the hearing his client objects “so if the order is granted, it is under... objection.” The property owner participating remotely described attempts to resolve the issues directly with town staff and said he will continue working with his attorney.

After hearing testimony and reviewing the recorded order, Barnard said the town had satisfied the statutory criteria and announced she would sign an order authorizing the town to pursue foreclosure. The magistrate instructed the town to provide the respondent a copy of the case file and said the signed court order will be issued to the parties.

Next steps: the town may proceed with foreclosure filings consistent with the magistrate’s signed order; the respondent indicated it is pursuing settlement or mitigation options that could affect whether foreclosure is initiated.