Select board signs supplemental tax certificate to recover $4,774.25 in attorney fees

The Limerick Select Board voted on March 2 to sign a supplemental tax certificate for a condemned property at 3 Division Road to recover attorney fees of $4,774.25, with the town administrator and code enforcement officer describing the next procedural steps.

Stan Hacket told the board the property has an offer and the buyer is aware they must abate remaining issues (including a pop-up camper, trailer and other items) before the condemnation can be removed. Hacket asked the board to approve and sign the supplemental tax certificate for $4,774.25; the motion was moved, seconded and the board signed the certificate that evening.

Hacket described follow-up logistics: the supplemental tax will be entered into TRIO and sent to the bank so the closing can proceed; he said the buyer is likely a cash purchaser and the realtor indicated a closing could happen in roughly two weeks. He also said there may be an additional bill of about $200 related to registry of deeds filings, and that the owner still owes the town approximately $200 for cleanup that has not been paid.

Why it matters: Signing the supplemental tax certificate allows the town to recover legal fees and proceed with the sale process once abatement is complete. After the required abatement and a public hearing, the board may reverse the condemnation so title can be transferred.

Next steps: Staff will enter the certificate in town records and inform the bank of the outstanding amount. The board indicated it will hold any subsequent public hearing required before reversing the condemnation.