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County Administrator's Report 12. 31.

BCC Regular Meeting

Budget & Finance Consent

Meeting Date:	07/18/2019
Issue: Resolution to Cancel Taxes On Property Owned By Escambia County
From:	Joy Jones
Department:	Engineering
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning a Resolution to Cancel Taxes on Property Owned by Escambia County - Joy Jones, P.E., Engineering Department Director

That the Board take the following action concerning a Resolution to cancel taxes on parcel 43-1S-30-1101-000-001, Tax Account Number 04-1335-040, located in the 2400 Block of Michigan Avenue, which was deeded to the County and accepted by the BCC on May 2, 2019:

A. Adopt the Resolution to cancel taxes for the tax years of 2015 through 2018, in the amount of $575.61, and for subsequent years' taxes for parcel 43-1S-30-1101-000-001, Tax Account Number 04-1335-040; and

B. Authorize the Chairman or Vice Chairman to execute the Resolution without further action of the Board.

This property is located within Commission District 1.

BACKGROUND:

In 2013, Pete Delgado purchased (in his wife's name) the subject parcel located in the 2400 Block of West Michigan Avenue. Mr. Delgado later discovered that the parcel included a non-functioning stormwater detention pond, part of a defective private drainage system that, historically, had not been maintained. The conditions of the parcel generated a code enforcement action and a lien was recorded in 2016. Apparently, in response to the code enforcement lien, the Delgados recorded a deed to Escambia County, mistakenly believing they had cured their code enforcement and property problems by conveying them all to the County. However, the deed was not an effective conveyance to the County, as it contained many obvious defects, the most significant of which is that the County did not know about the transaction and, accordingly, never accepted title to the property.

The parcel, part of the private drainage infrastructure that was abandoned by the developer of the adjacent South Gulf Manor subdivision after the plat was approved in 1976, passed through several tax deed and other private sales before it was acquired by Mr. Delgado, who purchased the property in his wife's name.

Residents of nearby South Gulf Manor subdivision have reported home, yard, and street flooding caused by the defective stormwater detention pond during major storm events, and have a history of issues associated with the neighborhood drainage system. The detention pond does not meet County standards due to its steep side slopes and lack of access for maintenance.

Acquisition of the detention pond and two other adjacent properties will be necessary to address the stormwater drainage problems in the South Gulf Manor subdivision and the surrounding areas. Staff has contacted the Delgados on numerous occasions to request their assistance in conveying a proper deed, but the Delgados have been uncooperative.

On May 2, 2019, the BCC approved to accept the 2016 deed from Bonnie Evans Delgado after the County Attorney's Office considered that would likely be the most cost effective way to proceed.

BUDGETARY IMPACT:

N/A

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:

The County Attorney’s Office prepared the provided Resolution and has approved it as to form and legal sufficiency.

PERSONNEL:

N/A

POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:

This Recommendation is in accordance with Section 196.28, Florida Statute.

IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION:

N/A

Attachments
Resolution - Delgado
May BCC Meeting Minutes
Aerial Map