Board to make decision concerning tax certificates

Jackson County Tax Collector, Mary Carol Murdock

With a critical June 1 deadline looming, Jackson County Tax Collector Mary Carol Murdock appeared before the Board of County Commissioners this week to address the fate of 281 tax certificates set to expire. The certificates, issued between 2019 and 2023, will become null and void if no action is taken before the deadline.

Murdock urged the board to provide direction on how many properties the county should pursue through the tax deed application process. The vast majority of the expiring certificates involve parcels located in the Compass Lake in the Hills area, a region noted for both its development potential and, in some cases, limited infrastructure.

“Last year was our first experience applying for tax certificates, and we were successful,” Murdock told commissioners. “We applied for five properties, and all were sold — bringing in between $5,100 and $8,500 each. We need to decide whether to apply for another five this year or potentially increase that number to ten.”

Applying for a tax deed involves an initial cost of $300 per property, which includes a $225 title search conducted by a title company. Once the title search is completed, the clerk’s office assumes responsibility for notifying interested parties and managing the public sale.

Murdock emphasized that careful selection of which properties to apply for is essential. While the county staff prioritizes parcels with promising development potential, she noted that additional considerations, such as accessibility, availability of electricity, and realistic chances for redevelopment, must also factor into the decision.

The commissioners offered to assist in identifying viable properties based on location, land characteristics, and likelihood of attracting responsible future owners. Murdock recommended a collaborative review process using the property appraiser’s website and in-person consultations with relevant county departments to evaluate candidates thoroughly.

“The goal is to get these properties back into the hands of people who will care for them and pay their taxes,” Murdock said. “But we must act soon, or if we don’t move forward by June 1, we lose the opportunity.”

The Board of County Commissioners is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks regarding how many tax deed applications to file this year.