Macomb County Treasurer Lawrence Rocca recently announced a substantial decline of 24 percent in the number of tax foreclosed parcels this year as compared to the previous year. His staff is currently in the process of wrapping up the multiyear foreclosure process with respect to the 2014 delinquent real property taxes. These taxes became delinquent on March 1, 2015, consisting of 31,267 parcels. On March 1, 2016, 6,615 parcels thereof became forfeited, and on March 31, 2017, 241 parcels thereof were foreclosed on. Since that time, Treasurer Rocca has continued to work with taxpayers to reduce the number of foreclosed parcels, and as a result, it has been reduced from 241 parcels to 238 parcels. This represents a 0.76 percent foreclosure rate on the 2014 delinquent real property taxes. By way of comparison, the 2013 real property taxes became delinquent on March 1, 2014, consisting of 27,585 parcels. On March 1, 2015, 7,275 parcels thereof became forfeited, and on March 31, 2016, 313 parcels thereof were foreclosed on. This represents a 1.13 percent foreclosure rate on the 2013 delinquent real property taxes. “Foreclosing on a property for unpaid taxes can have a devastating effect not only on the owner, but also the surrounding neighbors in terms of the property values of their homes. While collecting taxes is one of our main responsibilities, it is important that we do so in a way that keeps individuals in their homes whenever possible,” said Treasurer Rocca. “By working with people, one-on-one, to provide extensions, set up payment plans, apply for state aid and seek financial counseling, we are helping to protect the less fortunate and to maintain all property values in our county.” Properties that remain unpaid after the extensive 2-and-a-half year process are foreclosed on and sold to the state, local communities or at a public auction. Under Michigan law, the 238 foreclosed parcels were first offered for purchase to the state of Michigan and then to the local communities. The remaining parcels are scheduled for a bulk auction on Aug. 15 at Freedom Hill. If necessary, an individual auction will take place, again at Freedom Hill, on Sept. 13. A list of the foreclosed properties up for auction can be found at gis.macombgov.org/asp_searches/foreclosed/foreclosed_search.asp. For media inquiries only, please contact John Cwikla at 586-463-3523 The Macomb County Treasurer's Office is the custodian of all county funds, which includes investing said funds in order to maximize the rate of return while minimizing risk. Their mission is to collect delinquent taxes on behalf of local communities, manage Macomb County's tax reversion process and maintain the health of the tax revolving fund, while assisting residents with saving their homes from the tax foreclosure process.
