Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Forfeit Land Sale topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pine County board reaffirms plan to sell 200-acre tax-forfeited parcel in Wilma Township
Summary
The Pine County Board reaffirmed a March resolution to classify a 200‑acre Wilma Township parcel as nonconservation and move it toward public sale, despite objections from Wilma residents who said public access and local uses would be lost.
The Pine County Board of Commissioners reaffirmed a March resolution on July 1, 2025, authorizing classification of a 200‑acre tax‑forfeited parcel in Wilma Township as nonconservation and moving the property forward toward public auction.
Kelly Schroeder, the county auditor‑treasurer, told the board the parcel forfeited in 1938 and the proposed sale would split the tract into 40‑, 100‑ and 60‑acre parcels so each has a buildable site and road access. Schroeder said the county now manages about 39,354 acres of tax‑forfeited land and receives a payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes (PILT) of $2 per acre, with 20¢ per acre passed to the city or township and $1.80 per acre retained by the county.
During the public hearing, Mike McCallum, chairman of Wilmette Township, told commissioners he opposed selling the parcel. "Now 3 people or families are gonna be able to go on there…My grandkids can't use it," McCallum said, urging the board to consider long‑term public access before disposing of county lands.
Schroeder and board members clarified that the county has set aside 36,238 acres as Memorial Forest and that Wilma Township would still have approximately 1,286.4 acres in Memorial Forest even if the parcel is sold. The board noted the statutory process for pre‑June 2016 forfeitures differs from later forfeitures and that the county follows state criteria when reclassifying land.
Commissioner Ludwig moved to reaffirm Pine County Resolution 2025‑14, authorizing the nonconservation classification and intent to sell the listed parcel; Commissioner Nelson seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote. Schroeder told the board the final sale listing typically receives final approval at the board's first meeting in August, allowing commissioners time to give direction after the public hearing.
The decision means the county will proceed with the statutory steps required for a nonconservation classification and preparation for auction; residents who opposed the sale said they may raise the issue further during the county’s public process.
