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Huachuca City to explore foreclosure on three abatement liens after $16,000 in remediation costs
Summary
Council authorized staff to explore foreclosing on abatement liens at 217 Pima St., 303 Apache St., and 103 Tomahawk to recover remediation costs; Town Attorney warned the process is complex and may cost money, and noted the town has already spent about $16,000 on one property.
Mayor Johann Wallace told the council the town has repeatedly paid to remediate hazardous conditions on specific properties and asked whether the town should pursue foreclosure on abatement liens to recover costs. Town Attorney Thomas Benavidez described foreclosure of abatement liens as a "complicated process" that will require legal work and expense and noted the Town has already put about $16,000 into remediation at 217 Pima Street over the years.
After discussion about costs and property value, the council voted to direct staff to explore the possibility of foreclosing on the Town’s abatement liens for 217 Pima St., 303 Apache St., and 103 Tomahawk. The motion to direct staff was moved by Mayor Wallace, seconded by Cynthia Butterworth, and passed unanimously. No foreclosure action was initiated at the meeting; staff will return with a legal and cost analysis before taking further steps.
Why it matters: foreclosure could recover remediation costs but requires weighing legal fees and the market value of the properties; the town must decide whether further investment is warranted.
