TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
THROUGH: Jennifer W. Shuler, County Attorney
FROM: Christopher A. Hicks, Assistant County Attorney
DATE: February 9, 2026
SUBJECT: Barbara Williams Foreclosure Settlement
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BACKGROUND
In September of 2024 a utilities lien foreclosure was initiated against Barbara Williams for unpaid service fees and penalties on a property located at 4825 35th Ave. Ms. Williams became the owner of the property through a 2024 probate proceeding after the previous owners passed in the mid-1990’s. At some point in the 2000’s the structure on the property was demolished and the land has remained vacant ever since. The property continued to be assessed a service availability charge and penalties for failure to pay. The property is approximately 1/10th of an acre. The total lien amount exceeds $90,000. In September of 2025 Judge Cynthia Cox denied Summary Judgment in the case.
ANALYSIS
Based upon the recent court ruling and the unique nature of this case, the County Attorney’s Office discussed the possibly of a settlement with Ms. Williams’ attorney. Through these discussions, Ms. Williams offers to pay $2,500 over the course of the next year and the relinquish the ERU to the property in order to fully settle the lien. The signed agreement is attached. If anyone wishes to build on the property in the future a new ERU would be required at whatever the established cost is at the time.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
If Ms. Williams completes the terms of the Settlement Agreement by the 2027 deadline, funds in the amount of $152,590.93 are budgeted and available to cover the associated expense/write off from the Utilities Fund/Customer Service/Bad Debt Water Sewer account, number 47126536-036510. If the terms are not completed there will be no impact.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
The County Attorney’s Office recomm...
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