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Commissioners waive interest in 20-year abatement dispute, ask staff to verify payment records
Summary
After extended discussion about a 20-year-old abatement for 3715 West Jackson, the board voted to waive interest if the property owner can produce proof the abatement was paid; staff will continue records review and offer payment-plan options if required.
The commissioners voted unanimously to waive interest charges in a 20-year-old abatement dispute related to property at 3715 West Jackson while retaining the principal abatement balance pending proof of prior payment.
The property owner told the board he believes he paid abatement costs by installments many years ago and is searching for documentation. "I'm in the process of looking for it," the owner said. County staff and the clerk explained that recordkeeping from that period included outside collection agents and that older records may be difficult to find.
Commissioners debated precedent and fairness; some argued that the burden of proof is on the property owner to show payment, while others called for compassion for a long-standing case involving a small principal amount. The board's motion, approved 5-0, waives accrued interest on the condition that staff continue to search records and the owner begin a payment or present proof of prior payment. Staff said interest would stop accruing if the owner entered a payment plan.
Commissioners instructed staff to pursue records with the county attorney and clerk's offices and to return the matter to the board if staff locates documentary evidence or the owner begins regular payments.
