Number
171041
Version
substitute 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI
Title
Substitute resolution relating to implementing certain recommendations to address problems in the City’s housing environment caused by property owners who are chronically delinquent on property taxes and code violation charges.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Office of City Attorney to take the following actions to address problems associated with property owners who are chronically delinquent on property taxes and code violation charges and are insulated from litigation by seemingly duplicitous ownership structures:
1. Annually obtain a list from the City Treasurer of property owners delinquent on property taxes and other charges.
2. Closely analyze the list provided by the City Treasurer, identifying and untangling webs of ownership to connect chronic tax delinquent and code violating properties to the same, or closely related property owners.
3. Provide a confidential report to the Common Council outlining potential litigation strategies to collect delinquent property taxes and charges owed by hard-to-prosecute property owners.
This resolution further directs the City Treasurer to provide the list of property owners delinquent on property taxes and other charges to the City Attorney, and directs the Department of Neighborhood Services, the Municipal Court, the Department of City Development, the City’s delinquent property tax collections contractor, and all City departments called upon by the City Attorney, to cooperated fully, and provide information on matters concerning this resolution as requested by the City Attorney.
Body
Whereas, Certain property owners in the city are chronically delinquent on property taxes and code violation charges on numerous properties over many years; and
Whereas, Many property owners who are chronically delinquent on property taxes and code violation charges create elaborate ownership structures in an apparent attempt to hide the...
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