Mercer County adopts resolution to acquire delinquent tax certificates under new state law

Mercer County's board voted unanimously Sept. 8 to adopt a resolution implementing Public Act 104-0553, allowing the county to acquire tax certificates for properties on the county’s judgment list rather than leaving them to private tax buyers. The motion to approve was made by Chris DeMink and seconded by Bill Henry and passed 6-0.

The resolution cites statutory changes that give counties an option to submit lists of properties to the collector and effectively offer to purchase those properties at tax sale. Meeting minutes state that the county will acquire the certificates and that doing so will "help the Treasurer's office, County Clerk's office and the Court with help setting up the proper procedures on delinquent taxes." The board noted administrative efficiencies under the county-trustee path versus the private-buyer auction process described in the new statute. The resolution directs the county clerk and treasurer to coordinate the lists and tax‑trust procedures going forward.

Action: Motion to approve resolution by Chris DeMink; second by Bill Henry. Vote: 6-0. Relevant law cited in materials: Public Act 104-0553 and 35 ILCS 200/21-190 and 35 ILCS 200/21-90. No public comments were recorded on the item during the meeting.