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Dartmouth restarts in‑house tax‑title work, collects about $103,000 after first mailing
Summary
Committee members discussed resuming in‑house tax‑title work and the town reported sending about 300 demand letters representing roughly $800,000 in delinquencies and collecting about $103,000 in the first week; the committee approved an $8,000 transfer to cover immediate costs.
The Dartmouth Finance Committee on July 9 heard details about the town’s resumption of in‑house tax‑title work and approved an $8,000 transfer to cover immediate collection costs.
Gary told the committee the town recently sent a round of demand letters through the town’s tax‑title attorney (identified in the discussion as Coppola and Coppola) rather than using the previous third‑party vendor, Tallaght. Gary said the town spent about $25,000 on the mailing and that roughly 300 letters representing about $800,000 in delinquent taxes went out; he reported about $103,000 had been collected in the first week after mailings were sent.
Committee members recalled that the prior vendor, which sent properties out for foreclosure, faced legal challenges over equity returned to homeowners and noted the Supreme Court settled related questions for other jurisdictions. Gary and others emphasized the town’s preference for working with residents on payment plans and avoiding ownership of occupied homes; they discussed the operational work required when foreclosure does occur (taking deeds, marketing vacant properties and returning remaining equity to former owners after taxes and fees are recovered).
One member asked why the town did not use in‑house staff instead of outside counsel; Gary said the town’s in‑house attorneys do different work and that specialized tax‑title firms can be more efficient. The committee approved the requested $8,000 transfer to continue the mailing and collection work; the motion passed with one abstention from a member who said they had not heard the presentations.
Why it matters: Resuming in‑house tax‑title activity changes how the town interacts with delinquent taxpayers and can affect both municipal recovery and homeowners’ equity. Committee members stressed the town’s intent to offer payment plans and limit property ownership when possible.
Next steps: The treasurer/collector will continue collection efforts, track recoveries and report back to the Finance Committee; approved transfers will be forwarded to the Select Board for final bookkeeping adjustments.
