Todd County asks legislature to allow sale of tax-forfeited parcel with family cemetery to Young family

The Todd County Board of Commissioners voted April 7 to request state legislative authorization to sell a tax-forfeited parcel that contains family burial plots back to the Young family.

John Young told the Board the parcel was originally owned by his family and contains burial plots; the board later adopted a resolution formally requesting that the State Legislature allow Todd County to complete a direct sale of Parcel 17-0032700, at a net purchase price of $11,446.01 after fees. The resolution cites Minnesota Statute § 282.018 and notes the parcel was withdrawn from public sale due to its geographic features and location.

The resolution specifies sale terms and required fees: all sales payable by cash or check with no payment plans; a $25 charge per State Deed issued; a $46 fee to record the State Deed; a state deed tax (0.0033 x purchase price or minimum $1.65); a $50 well-certificate fee if applicable; a $250 tax-forfeiture administration fee; and a 3% Assurance Fund charge (per Minn. Stat. 284.28, subd. 8). It also states that the parcel will be offered subject to liens, easements, existing roads and leases and that special assessments canceled at forfeiture could be reassessed by municipalities after sale. The resolution reserves the county’s right to cancel the sale at any time prior to closing.

Board members approved the resolution unanimously. The resolution makes clear the county cannot complete the transfer without legislative authorization to release the parcel from tax-forfeiture sale restrictions; the board’s action is a request for that inclusion in the state session. The minutes record that John Young provided information about costs and process to restore ownership but do not specify a timeline for legislative action.

If the legislature approves release, the county will proceed with sale under the conditions specified in the board resolution.