Port Deposit delays acquisition of five tax-sale properties; $15,000 demolition grants secured

Town Administrator Vicky Rinkerman told the Town Council on Sept. 16 that acquisition of five proposed tax-sale properties has been delayed by foreclosure-related issues and that she has requested a revised timeline from the Town's legal counsel, Tom McCarron.

Rinkerman said summonses are expected by the end of October, publication by the end of November and ownership by January 2026. She also reported that the town has secured a demolition grant of $15,000 per property to support either improvements or demolition of those properties.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Brown said the town’s progress toward acquiring and addressing the properties—whether through rehabilitation or demolition—represents an important opportunity for the community. No formal motions or votes on acquisitions were recorded at the work session; the council awaits the revised timeline from legal counsel.