Consider and take action on Resolution No. 18-030, authorizing the Galveston County Sheriff to auction tax foreclosed properties pursuant to Texas Property Tax Code 34.05. (City Secretary)

Currently, all sell Property In Trust (PIT) Properties are to be approved by all taxing entities that collect taxes on the tax foreclosed property in question.  After approval by the PIT board, the City of Texas City must approve of the sale in line with the Texas Tax Code and the approved sale amount.  Linebarger, Goggan, et al (Mark Ciavaglia) is the City's delinquent tax attorney and  approached the PIT board with a plan to have the Sheriff sale PIT property even after the initial Sheriff Sale to reduce cost and time of other forms of public auctions.  In addition, Mr. Ciavaglia requested that there be an automatic resale of 20% of the last offered price (struck off) price each time it needs to go back to Sheriff Sale until it sells.  Of course, at any time the staff could determine that the price is low enough and not send the property back to Sheriff Sale.  Mr. Ciavaglia is requesting the City Commission to approve the attached Resolution that would allow the sale and not require the continual return to City Commission for the sale of the PIT properties.

See Mark Ciavaglia's attached letter.