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Select board votes to proceed with eviction notice on tax-acquired property after months of missed payments
Summary
Facing a long-delinquent land-installment contract, the select board voted to issue an eviction notice on a tax-acquired property to prompt payment or resolution; board members discussed enforcement options, health concerns and potential sheriff or health-officer involvement.
The Bristol Select Board voted to proceed with an eviction notice for a tax-acquired property after staff reported extended nonpayment on an installment contract and unsuccessful outreach to the occupant.
Town staff described prior outreach and that the occupant had requested a two-month extension for health reasons; board members said the town had waited but that little movement had occurred. Staff summarized amounts due (staff said the total owed was about $7,200 and that issuing an eviction notice would likely saddle the town with additional enforcement costs and fees). "If you pay your total amount," staff said they told the occupant, "I will file the deed an hour later." The board discussed enforcement mechanisms including contacting the sheriff for eviction assistance and asking the appointed health officer to inspect the property if there are unsafe conditions.
A select board member moved to proceed with the eviction notice; another member seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Members said the primary objective was to spur payment or other resolution rather than immediate removal; they acknowledged the town may need sheriff assistance to enforce an eventual eviction and that the town's ordinances place some responsibility on the board and health officer for determinations about unfit properties.
Staff noted the town would send the signed notice and consult with the sheriff and health officer as needed; they also reiterated that if the occupant cured the debt and paid in full the town would consider returning the deed under the terms of the installment contract.
Action recorded: motion to proceed with an eviction notice; passed by voice vote. The board directed staff to follow the town's legal process and to consult the sheriff and health officer as necessary.
