County Commission reverses tax sale due to historic boundary line issues

The Utah County Commission convened on July 20, 2022, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on tax sale protests and property boundary disputes. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the county in managing property tax sales and ensuring proper notification to property owners.

The first significant discussion revolved around a tax sale protest concerning a property owned by Canyon Advantage. A commissioner expressed concerns about the county's failure to meet moral standards in notifying property owners, despite legally fulfilling minimum requirements. The commissioner emphasized that underfunding of departments over the years has led to mistakes that need rectifying. The inclination was to overturn the tax sale and assess whether the correct fees were paid, as discrepancies in property boundaries were identified.

The conversation shifted to the specifics of the property in question, where it was revealed that the owners had been paying taxes on 0.13 acres, while the historical size was recorded as 0.18 acres. This discrepancy indicated that the owners had been underpaying taxes due to misrecorded boundaries. A professional land surveyor, David Hawkes, provided insight into the historical context of boundary disputes in Utah County, noting that many properties have been affected by outdated survey methods dating back to the mid-20th century. He highlighted the need for a thorough review by a county surveyor before any tax sales are finalized to prevent impacting property rights.

Following this discussion, the commission unanimously voted to reverse the tax sale, acknowledging the need for further adjustments to the property description and ensuring that the correct tax amounts are assessed moving forward.

The meeting then transitioned to another tax sale protest filed by Security Service Federal Credit Union. This parcel had been on tax sale for the third time, raising concerns about the adequacy of notification efforts. The county representative detailed the steps taken to notify the property owner, including sending certified notices and physically posting a notice at the property. However, the owner had not responded, prompting the commission to consider the possibility of continuing the discussion to allow the attorney representing the credit union to be present.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing issues related to property tax sales and boundary disputes in Utah County. The commission's decision to reverse the tax sale for Canyon Advantage reflects a commitment to addressing historical inaccuracies and ensuring fair treatment of property owners. Further discussions are anticipated as the commission continues to navigate these complex issues.