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County adopts updated fee schedule; adds parcel‑split fees and discusses a $200 confession‑of‑judgment option
Summary
The board approved multiple fee‑schedule updates: parcel‑split fees proposed at $125 (standard) and $200 (rush), daycare relicensing moved to an annual $50, and staff proposed adding a $200 fee to administer a confession‑of‑judgment option for delinquent‑tax amortization (staff warned it is costly and not a first option).
Stevens County commissioners approved updates to the county fee schedule covering several departments and items.
Confession of judgment: Auditor‑treasurer staff proposed adding a $200 administrative fee to process a confession‑of‑judgment option available when properties are at tax forfeiture. Staff explained the process would create an amortization schedule (five or ten years, depending on property type) allowing owners to pay off delinquent taxes over time but cautioned the option requires substantial upfront payment (publication, serving and fees, noted as typically $300–$400 or more) and warned that a missed payment would result in forfeiture. Staff said the county historically has not used recorded confessions of judgment in recent years and would treat this as a last-resort option.
Parcel splits: Staff proposed charging per‑parcel fees for parcel‑split requests, recommending $125 for standard (three days or more) processing and $200 for rush (under three days); the board clarified the fee is per parcel, not an hourly charge, and discussed variability depending on whether multiple offices (assessor, auditor, and public works) are involved.
Licensing and other updates: Human Services staff noted state-set adult foster care licensing at $2,100 annually; daycare relicensing will move to annual $50 (previously $100 every two years) to align with other counties. The board approved the updated fee-schedule items presented in the packet.
Why it matters: fee changes affect residents and providers requesting parcel services or licensing and may shift modest revenue into county operations. The confession‑of‑judgment option, if used, can provide homeowners an alternate path to avoid immediate forfeiture but carries significant upfront costs and strict default consequences.
Next steps: the clerk will incorporate the approved fee schedule updates into county records and staff will follow up on implementation details and public notices as appropriate.
