Committee holds treasurer’s request to authorize tax‑deed auction while county attorney prepares resolution

The Butte‑Silver Bow judiciary committee on July 22 held in abeyance a request from Treasurer Lori Baker Patrick to direct the county attorney to prepare a resolution authorizing a tax‑deed public auction of certain tax‑deeded parcels. The treasurer requested the resolution be read and acted upon on Aug. 19, 2026.

The Chair said the county attorney was working on the resolution, and the committee agreed to continue the communication while the attorney completes the draft. Commissioner Thatcher moved to hold the item; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote. The committee provided no roll‑call vote or detailed vote tally in the transcript.

Why it matters: A resolution authorizing a tax‑deed auction would allow the county to sell parcels that have passed into county ownership because of unpaid property taxes. The treasurer asked the committee to direct the county attorney to prepare a resolution for consideration and action on Aug. 19.

Next steps: The county attorney will prepare the draft resolution for the Aug. 19 meeting; the committee took no further action at the July 22 meeting and adjourned after completing the agenda.