Council removes delinquent parcel from May tax sale after buyer proposes payment plan

The Summit County Council on May 24 approved a conditional payment plan and removed a delinquent property (parcel WV‑49) from the May 25 tax sale after counsel for a buyer said the buyer’s manager could supply an initial payment immediately and arrange follow‑on payments.

County staff said the current total owing (taxes, interest, penalties and fees) was about $92,913.97 as of May 25. Chase Black (treasurer/staff) explained prior payment plans on this parcel had been followed by renewed delinquency, and counsel for the new owner, Adam Ford, told the council the new ownership (Bitterbrush Holdings, an LLC with principals based out of state) planned to pay 25% up front and the remainder within 90 days while interest would continue to accrue.

After discussion about prior failed payment plans and collection strategy, councilors negotiated a shorter proposal. The council approved a motion requiring 25% of the outstanding balance to be paid by 10 a.m. May 25 (the tax‑sale deadline) and the remaining 75% plus accruing interest and penalties to be paid within 90 days; the parcel will be removed from the May 25 sale upon receipt of the initial payment or equivalent wire confirmation. Council noted tax liens remain in place and interest will continue to accrue on unpaid amounts.

Councilors emphasized they were acting on a good‑faith representation from the buyer’s counsel and noted the county’s lien position and interest rate (reported by the treasurer as 10%) would continue to protect county interests if the buyer defaulted.