6. Sale-tax forfeited lots appraised

CASSCOUNlY GOVERNMENT ..a.. Auditor Micluel M. 'ntpbislr, eTA 701- 2 41- 1601 Treasurer L:barl. ,ttl' :-anJ\'ik 7('1-241-1611 Director of Equalization Frank KIt'in 701-241-161(1 !i(\\ 20l\1 October 5, 2006 Board of County Commissioners Cass County Government 211 9th Street South Fargo ND 58103 Re: Appraisal of Forfeited Property Annually you are charged with setting the minimum sales price for property that has been forfeited to the county for non-payment of tax. This list shows the properties that as of the above date still have 2001 taxes owing. Deeds to the property on the list have been recorded transferring ownership to the county. The taxes on the properties may still be paid by the former owners; however, all five years of taxes plus interest, penalty, and costs charged against the property must be paid. The list does not show the minimum sales price recommended by the County Auditor and County Director of Equalization, except for the lots in the Meadowbrook Park Subdivision of West Fargo. The minimum sales price recommendation will be supplied after Frank Klein, Director of Equalization, has inspected the properties. The minimum sales price generally must be set to cover the estimated taxes, specials, penalties, interest and costs from the 2001 through the 2006 taxes. In some cases, we may recommend a lower minimum sales price due to the condition of the property. In most cases, we will make a recommendation at a discounted fair market value. We discount the market values based on the county issuing a deed that transfers our interest in the property, not necessarily clear title. In the case of the properties in Meadowbrook Park Subdivision, the county has taken these lots, beginning in 1997 for the 1992 taxes and now owns 126 lots out ofthe 218 lots in the subdivision. My recommendation is that we offer these as a group for a minimum sales price of$50,000. We previously offered these at $100,000 before and didn't receive any interest in the lots at that price. The outstanding taxes and specials would amount to a little over $100,000, with an additional $160,000 in interest and penalty. The attached map shows the county-owned lots outlined in blue. I believe $50,000 for the group of lots may generate some interested bidders. Once the minimum sales price is set, we will send a letter to the city auditors where properties are located, informing them of the minimum sales price and of the hearing date and time on the minimum sales price. Property owners have until the auction date to redeem their property by paying the total of taxes, interest, penalties, and costs for the back taxes before the auction date. The public auction under state law is set for the third Tuesday in November, which this year is November 21 st. 211 Ninth ~rrL't't ~"Ilrb brg," N.lrth l\lblta 5S1l~) Sincerely, b\ 7l'I-241-1720 ~e~(tisf~:~~ County Auditor \\'\\ \\.la"l. luntr!!. l\'.l \ 1111