Delinquent city taxes on Fulton properties to result in foreclosure

By: Chris Menees Messenger Staff Reporter

By CHRIS MENEES
Messenger Staff Reporter
Work is proceeding in Fulton on the foreclosure of property for delinquent city taxes.
City attorney Allison Whit-ledge told the Fulton City Commission at its session Monday evening that research is continuing this week at the courthouse and she estimates being about a week away from being able to file a mass complaint on the foreclosure of certain properties for delinquent city taxes.
Fulton city manager Kenney Etherton inquired about the number of properties and Ms. Whitledge said at one time she believes it was up to about 70, adding that research has actually been completed on about that number of properties.
Ms. Whitledge said the day before she files the complaint to begin the legal action, she will obtain from the city clerk a list of all property owners who have since paid their delinquent taxes in order to ensure they are excluded from the complaint.
In other action during Monday evening’s meeting, which was opened with prayer led by commissioner Jeff Vaughn and with the Pledge of Allegiance, the commission:
• Accepted the resignation of captain/paramedic Buffy Kyle from the Fulton Fire Department, effective Monday. Fulton Mayor Elaine Forrester said the commission wishes her well and appreciates all of the work she has done for the city over the years.
• Authorized Etherton to realign the rank positions in the Fulton Police Department, which will allow police Capt. Jere Hughes to become assistant chief and will make it consistent with the structure of the city’s other departments.
• Heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend an existing city ordinance, abolishing a section, pertaining to alcoholic beverage fees. The action results from the city’s recent implementation of an occupational license tax (net profits) and an effort to establish uniformity for all businesses.
• Learned the city’s new code enforcement officer, Daniel Woodruff, is on the job two days a week and is being kept very busy in his new position. Etherton said Woodruff has “hit the ground running” and is doing a good job. Mrs. Forrester said there is a lot to be done.
• Heard a compliment from Mrs. Forrester regarding the ap-pearance of the cemetery. She said it appears some dirt was brought in and some graves leveled, adding that it “looks nice.”
• Heard concerns from William Caldwell of NCB Realtors in regard to the city’s new requirement that all agents must purchase occupational licenses. He said the agents are not self-employed and are not the same as private contractors, but rather are employed as agents for the real estate company. Etherton said the action was set forth by state legislature and said if the city opted not to have an occupational license tax that it would greatly impact the city’s budget.
• Adjourned into a closed executive session to discuss personnel and pending litigation, with no action resulting.
Published in The Messenger 1.29.08

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