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Pine County explains tax-forfeiture timeline and proceeds split; residents worry about reserves
Summary
At the hearing, staff explained recent tax forfeiture law changes, a roughly four‑year timeline to forfeiture, and that sale proceeds are split with school districts and townships; a resident warned that county reserves are being used and may decline.
A Sandstone resident asked for a clear explanation of the tax‑forfeiture process and whether the county’s reserves are sufficient. County staff replied that the current timeline is effectively four years from a missed tax payment (delinquent in January, then about three additional years), followed by certified notices, a sheriff’s visit and a 60‑day cure window; if not cured, the county forfeits and must sell within six months under newer law. Staff said purchasers and forfeiting owners have additional windows to repurchase or claim sale proceeds.
Kelly explained the distribution of tax‑forfeit proceeds under the current rules, saying the county retains its taxes and costs and then tax‑forfeit dollars (where unclaimed) are split roughly 40% to the county, 40% to the school district and 20% to the township or city where the property sits. Lehi Sladek also questioned the pace of reserve use; staff acknowledged reserves are being drawn down (planned reserve use was described elsewhere in the presentation) and said the county’s unassigned general fund balance was about $6.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2024.
