Washington County to advertise $802,454.83 in unpaid 2022 property tax liens

The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 6 to advertise unpaid 2022 property tax liens totaling $802,454.83, part of standard delinquency procedures under North Carolina law.

Julie J. Bennett, clerk to the board, presented the Tax Office Administrator’s report in Sherri Wilkins’s absence: the amount of unpaid 2022 taxes that are liens on real property was $802,454.83 as of Jan. 31, 2023. Bennett said the Tax Office will mail notices the week of March 6 (including debt set‑off information and a second notice of lien advertising) and planners expect to advertise delinquent taxes in April. The Tax Office has already begun enforcement actions, including wage garnishments and bank attachments, and is assisting taxpayers in setting monthly payment agreements that generally aim for collection by June 2023.

Under discussion, the clerk cited North Carolina General Statute references used for the report (NCGS 105‑369(a) and NCGS 105‑369(b1) as referenced in the agenda materials). Commissioner Ann C. Keyes moved to approve advertising the 2022 tax liens; Commissioner Carol V. Phelps seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

What the action means: Advertising the liens is a routine statutory step that notifies taxpayers publicly of delinquencies and enables subsequent enforcement measures if accounts are not resolved. The Tax Office said it will continue to pursue collection through negotiated payment plans and, if necessary, garnishments, bank attachments or foreclosure, as allowed by statute.

The board proceeded to other agenda items after the unanimous vote.