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1.5 REPURCHASE OF TAX DEEDED LANDS BY FORMER OWNER THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. PURPOSE The purpose of this ordinance is to give a preference to a former real property owner or his or her heir to repurchase lands deeded to Douglas County for the nonpayment of taxes as provided in Wisconsin Statutes Section 75.35(3). SECTION II. APPLICATION That said former owner or his or her heir, or representative, file an Application to Repurchase within 15 business days following the taking of the tax deed. That upon application being made, it shall be referred to the Land and Development Committee of the Douglas County Board of Supervisors. If more than one application is received, preference will be given to former owners over heirs or, as between owners and heirs, to the party who first makes payment in full as set out in Section III herein. Exceptions will only be made upon agreement of all applicants or if use of the above rules would work a substantial injustice. SECTION III. COMPLIANCE The Land and Development Committee has the option to accept said application and grant the applicant 31 days following the taking of the deed to pay in full to Douglas County all delinquent taxes and special assessments, together with interest and penalties, and administrative and recording fees. If the Land and Development Committee approves the application and, if the applicant does comply, a resolution authorizing a repurchase will be presented to the County Board for final approval. Upon approval of the County Board, the County Clerk shall issue a Quit Claim Deed to the applicant for said property. If the applicant fails to comply within the time specified, the property will be put up for public sale. SECTION IV. DEFINITIONS Former Owner: Last recorded owner in the Register of Deeds Office at the time the County takes the deed. Heirs may also qualify if approved by the Land and Development Committee and the County Board. Heir: As defined by Section 851.09 Wis. Stats. Chapter 1.5, Page 48 ---PAGE BREAK--- Delinquent Taxes: Taxes remaining unpaid on and after a date upon which a penalty for non-payment is normally attached. Special Assessment: A compulsory levy made by taxation district against certain properties to defray part or all of the cost of a specific improvement or service which is presumed to be of general benefit to the public and of special benefit to such properties. SECTION V. EXEMPTIONS The terms of the Ordinance and all sales made hereunder are exempt from all provisions of Section 75.69 of the Wisconsin Statutes. SECTION VI. PUBLIC USE LANDS This Ordinance shall not apply to tax deeded lands which have been improved for or dedicated to a public use by Douglas County subsequent to its acquisition thereof. SECTION VII. EFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication. Approved: December 9, 1976 Amendments: January 17, 1985 February 20, 1986 August 20, 1987 April 20, 1989 April 12, 1990 June 22, 1995 August 15, 1996 December 16, 1999 June 20, 2002 October 18, 2012 March 21, 2013 May 15, 2014 Chapter 1.5, Page 49