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Homesteaded Escheated Property March 27,2013 Page 12 This office has learned that the previous owner, Mr. Welch; is still living on the property. There is an active utilities account with the City of Vero Beach for this property. After learning of the person living on the property, the County's Risk Manager has placed $10,00.0 in property coverage (covers debris removal) on the structure. Because the liability insurance is written on a blanket basis; the County is covered for any liability claim that may arise from this location. There is a provision under Florida Statutes, where if the County has not sold the escheated property, the Board of County Commissioners could convey the property back to the record fee simple owners of the property as of the date the County obtained title to it, however, before any conveyance could be made, the former owners must pay an amount equal to all back, omitted, and current taxes, as well as any municipal liens that may have attached to the property. As of the date of this memo, the total back, omitted and current taxes, calculated through April, are $13,985.26. Funding. There is no expenditure of funds for this matter, unless filing a suit to eject Mr. Welch is necessary. Options. This matter is placed before the Board of County Commissioners for direction on how to proceed. The possible options are as follows: 1. Put the former owners on notice, giving them 60 days to either pay all back taxes, interest and penalties or vacate the premises. However, if the back taxes are paid in full, nothing prevents the owners from failing to pay taxes in the future, thus making repetition of this process a possibility. If the taxes are not paid and the property is not vacated, authorize the County Attorney's Office to file suit for removal of the occupant(s). 2. Declare the property surplus and offer the property to nonprofit agencies for in-fill housing with a disclosure that there is at least one occupant living on the property. 3. Do not extend the option of paying back taxes to the former owners, rather put them on notice that the property must be vacated within 60 days and if they fail to do so, authorize the County Attorney's Office to file suit for removal of the occupant(s) and at the same time, direct staff to sell the property either by auction or sealed bid. Recommendation. Staff recommends Option 3, and place the prior owners on notice to vacate the property within 60 days or face court ordered removal from the property by authorizing the County Attorney's Office to file suit for removal of the occupant(s). Staff should be directed to advertise the property for sale by sealed bid or auction. lnhm 2 69