KC Board Discusses Judicial Tax Sale Properties, Tables Vote

By Christopher Miller

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – Multiple board members spoke up regarding the upcoming judicial sale of properties that have not paid their past taxes due.

“I have a problem with how this is set up,” board member Butch Knauff spoke up.

“The fault is on the state legislature, not the county. Most of the properties up for tax sale are around the $500 amount and when they are sold, all liens and responsibilities are expunged and not reassessed. The legislature needs to do something about this.”

Board member Chris Scaff, agreeing with Butch, asked why the properties are not reappraised when sold, saying that “what it sells for does not mean it is worth that amount.”

Knauff added more to his original statement, saying that all three entities (county, local municipality, and school district) must vote to approve the judicial sale list. Which brought up the question posted by Butch, “what happens if we vote no?”

Assistant Superintendent Randy Zangara, standing in for Superintendent Dr. Frank Redmon, spoke up saying that if the district does not pass the judicial sale list, a hearing will then be scheduled.

Board member Elisabeth Lynch added that she is willing to go through the process to not pass this. 

“Until we make a statement and keep doing so, our efforts will not go anywhere,” she said.

Butch clarified his statements, saying that it is a state issue, not local.

“It is more of an issue in the rural areas, which is rough for us in Renovo because we are so small,” Knauff said.

Roger Elling then added about the potential lawyer fees attached to voting it down and it going to a hearing, saying that if a hearing date is set, the district solicitor will have to appear there.

Board member Dr. William Baldino then added that the solicitor should not be sent to the hearing, just to send “anybody from the board saying that we are making a statement because they are not reassessing the properties after they are sold.”

Baldino then made a motion to table the judicial sale list until the board can consult with their solicitor. 

Board member Tom Cannon was the lone dissenting vote.