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Purchaser at 2024 tax sale says lender and grant-holders were not notified; intends to seek restitution
Summary
Chris Dessureau told the Selectboard that a 2024 tax-sale purchase of 53 Beckett Street failed to notify known lienholders (Vermont Land Trust, Vermont Historic Preservation Board, USDA mortgage holder), and he said he expects to seek restitution from the attorney who handled the sale.
During public comment on June 8, purchaser Chris Dessureau described problems tied to the town's 2024 tax-sale transfer of 53 Beckett Street. Dessureau said town-contracted counsel handled notice requirements and due diligence but refused to provide records showing notice to the Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Historic Preservation Board, both of which held interests in the property.
Dessureau said missing notice has left him facing a closing where he will have to pay roughly $21,500 to satisfy lien claims and obtain insurable title, and he indicated his intention to pursue the attorney's malpractice insurance to recoup losses. "It is his intention to seek restitution from the Town due to fact that they had council and that council didn't perform due diligence correctly," Dessureau said. He told the board he does not hold the Selectboard personally liable but intends to pursue the attorney who represented the town at the time of the tax sale.
The Selectboard added the item to the later executive-session agenda for legal discussion and advised Dessureau that the town could discuss the procedural record and next steps in closed session.
