Board approves cancellation of forfeiture for elderly property owner; senior tax-deferral to follow

The board approved a motion to cancel a property forfeiture for an elderly, disabled owner who is pursuing senior citizen property tax deferral. Auditor-Treasurer staff described the case as a timing issue: the forfeiture process moved forward before the deferral could be completed, and staff said cancelling the forfeiture will allow the deferral to be processed and back taxes to be addressed.

Auditor staff explained the senior citizen property tax deferral is not a grant but a lien that helps homeowners on fixed incomes by deferring a portion of taxes; the office will assist the owner in applying for the deferral. Commissioners asked whether the situation was likely to recur and staff said it was a fluke tied to this property's particular circumstances.