HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-17 Finance Committee Minutes
FINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA
Wednesday January 17, 2018 @ 5:15 pm
Councilors in Attendance: Graham, Tremble, Supica, Perry, Nichols
Staff in Attendance: Cyr, Little, Conlow
1. Update on Matured Tax Liens
Staff provided a summary update that demonstrated the progress that has been made
in the number and value of outstanding tax liens over the last four years, based on the
direction of the City Council.
2. LD 1629 – An Act to Protect Elderly from Tax Lien Foreclosures
Staff proposed that the City oppose LD 1629. This is a carryover item from the previous
session. While the intent is to protect the elderly from tax lien foreclosures, the specifics
of the LD present some challenges for municipalities. Many of the requirements of the
LD are either already required (hardship abatement process) or actions currently being
undertaken for all taxpayers (payment arrangements). It also includes provision that
would require additional resources from and impacts on municipalities; obtain age
information and shield from public as confidential, engage in mediation, allow taxes to
be unpaid for up to 15 years, prevent the City from being able to sell property by
requiring it be sold for assessed value, etc. This legislation appears to be in response to
a particular case involving waterfront property and an elderly homeowner. The
Committee agreed that the City should testify against this particular legislation and
being to work with the Legislature to address unfair tax lien practices.
3. ADA Paratransit
This item was tabled.