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Gila County narrowly approves redemption of a property tax-exemption waiver amid blight concerns
Summary
The board voted 2–1 to allow a redemption of an exemption waiver for Alan W. Dorris for the second half of 2025; supervisors debated the possibility that such exemptions can create properties that sit "in limbo" and urged legislative fixes.
Gila County supervisors voted on March 3 to approve a petition to redeem a property tax-exemption waiver for Alan W. Dorris for the second half of the 2025 tax year.
The assessor explained that Dorris missed the initial exemption application window for 2025 but filed a petition before the statutory redemption deadline and therefore—under ARS 42-11153(b)—is eligible to redeem the waiver for taxes not yet due and payable; staff said the second-half exemption amount at issue is $256.80.
Supervisor Hunter Humphrey objected, raising concerns that granting exemptions without owner-change safeguards can create long-term "limbo" properties that are difficult to manage and may foster blight if ownership does not change. Humphrey urged legislative reform that would ensure minimal tax liability and reduce the risk of properties being effectively untaxable in perpetuity.
County staff and the assessor responded that state statute governs eligibility, that exemptions fall off upon ownership change, and that some properties can remain in probate and appear to be in limbo until disposition. After discussion, the board approved the petition with two ayes and one nay; the minutes record the tally but do not list a formal roll-call assignment for each vote.
Why it matters: The decision underscores a policy tension between statutory eligibility rules for property tax exemptions and local concerns about long-term property maintenance and community blight. Supervisors expressed interest in pursuing legislative changes to address perceived gaps.
