Council authorizes listing of tax-acquired properties with realtor, reserves Central Street parcel for possible park

The council voted to authorize staff to proceed with listing tax-acquired (foreclosed) properties with a local realtor in accordance with state law and the city's disposition policy, while reserving one Central Street parcel for further discussion as a possible park site.

Tax collector Sue McClain explained the new state-required process for tax-acquired foreclosures: foreclosed properties must be listed with a realtor for up to 12 months before alternative disposition methods (sealed bids or auction) may be used. McClain said the city will not pay listing fees; proceeds first satisfy liens, taxes, legal costs and municipal charges, and any excess will go to the prior owner. She noted some foreclosed parcels are small islands and that prior owners may still contact the city to arrange payment plans before listing.

Council discussed whether to withhold particular parcels from listing. The council asked staff to hold one Central Street site out of the initial list to explore parks and recreation uses; staff agreed to bring further detail next month. Council then moved to authorize listing the properties identified by the council with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (Mosiello Group) and the motion passed unanimously.

Sue McClain said staff will follow statutory notification procedures, work through certified mailings to prior owners, and bring a second inventory (city-owned but not foreclosed) to the council at a future meeting.