Agenda

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Regular Agenda Item 2. T.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	04/16/2024
Submitted By:	Marian Sheppard, Clerk of the Board Consultant
Department:	Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

Information

Request/Subject

Sealed bid for the purchase of Assessor's parcel number 207-05-003B.

Background Information

On June 25, 1992, the Gila County Treasurer deeded parcel number 207-05-003B to the State of Arizona c/o Board of Supervisors because the previous owner did not pay taxes on the subject property for 7 consecutive years.  The lien amount for this property is $337.70. Per. A.R.S. § 42-18303, after advertisement, the Board of Supervisors held an auction to sell all properties newly deeded to the State of Arizona c/o Board of Supervisors by the County Treasurer. Parcel number 207-05-003B did not sell at the auction.

On May 26, 2015, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 15-05-05 which established procedures for the sale of land held by the State under tax deed and it repealed previously adopted related Resolution No. 03-06-07. Resolution No. 15-05-05 allows the Board of Supervisors to waive the requirement to sell the property (after the auction has been held) for no less than the total lien amount if a condition warrants selling a parcel at a lesser price. The Board has determined that one such condition exists when an owner of property would like to purchase property that adjoins their property. Most times the property owner thought they already owned the state tax-deeded property. It is believed that these situations came about when a parcel was split and part of the legal description was left off the deed. After 7 years of non-payment of property taxes, the property was deeded by the Treasurer to the State of Arizona c/o Board of Supervisors. The Board's objective is to make sure these types of properties are sold to an adjoining property owner. Most times after the property is sold, the owner requests the County Assessor to combine the two properties into one property.

The subject property adjoins Gila County Assessor's parcel number 207-05-003A, which is owned by Veneta Molina; however, the deed is under the name of Veneta Courtney.  Ms. Molina has submitted a sealed bid for the Board of Supervisors' consideration. If the Board accepts Ms. Molina's bid, she intends to request that the Gila County Assessor combine the parcels, which is a win-win for both parties.

Evaluation

Each year the Board of Supervisors conducts an online auction through Public Surplus to sell properties that were newly deeded to the State of Arizona in care of the Board of Supervisors. Any properties that did not sell at the auction could be sold by the Clerk of the Board's office over the counter. Several years ago, the Board of Supervisors stopped selling state tax-deeded properties over the counter although there may be exceptions. Those properties may be sold through another online auction of the Board of Supervisors through Public Surplus. The only exception where a property may be sold by the Board of Supervisors for less than the lien amount is through the County's sealed bid process. Resolution No. 15-05-05 allows the Board of Supervisors to waive the requirement to sell the property for no less than the total lien amount if a condition warrants selling a parcel at a lesser price. Only an owner of land that adjoins a state tax-deeded property may submit a sealed bid for the Board's consideration. At the time a property owner submits a sealed bid, they must show proof of adjoining ownership.

On March 12, 2024, Ms. Molina submitted a sealed bid to the Deputy Clerk of the Board to purchase the subject parcel, and at that time she provided proof of ownership of a property that adjoins the subject property.

Conclusion

It would be advantageous for the Board of Supervisors to consider a sealed bid from Ms. Molina. If the Board accepts the offer, the property will go back on the County's tax rolls.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider the sealed bid for the purchase of tax parcel number 207-05-003B.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to consider a sealed bid for the purchase of Assessor's tax parcel number 207-05-003B and, if accepted, authorize the Chairman's signature on the Quit Claim Deed. (Samantha Trimble)

Attachments
207-05-003B Info