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Atoka pays back taxes on nuisance property and will seek attorney‑general opinion
Summary
Council authorized payment of back taxes on a property formerly subject to city abatement liens, asking the attorney general to clarify a statute that has produced confusion over whether municipalities must pay pre‑ownership taxes when they obtain properties at tax sale.
Atoka’s council approved payment of past‑due property taxes on a parcel formerly owned by Doris Sutter where the city had filed abatement liens after cleanup work. Staff explained that under a recent statutory change the county holds that the city must pay back taxes with penalty and interest before receiving title; the city manager said the statute’s language is ambiguous and that the treasurer agreed to waive most penalties, leaving roughly $450 due if the city pays.
Council authorized the payment to secure title and directed staff to request an opinion from the state attorney general to clarify whether municipalities must pay such back taxes going forward. The city manager said the city will press for legislative or AG clarification because several similar properties may come up in the current tax year. The motion passed by roll call.
