Sponsor: Property Tax, Records & Election Services
Title
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Repurchase of a Tax-forfeited Property Located at 890 Duchess Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106
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Recommendation
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1. Determine that by allowing a timely repurchase of the following property, any injustices or undue hardships caused by the forfeiture will be corrected and the repurchase will promote the use of the lands that will best serve the public interest:
• Commissioner District 6
• PIN: 28-29-22-31-0087
• Property Address: 890 Duchess Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106
• Repurchase amount due to date: $11,364
2. Approve the repurchase of the above tax-forfeited property by Maria Esperanza Rodriguez, fee owner at the time of forfeiture (Repurchaser), subject to the Repurchaser executing a repurchase contract within 90 days of approval.
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Background and Rationale
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The subject property is located at 890 Duchess Street and is an occupied, residential single-family home located in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood of the city of Saint Paul. Property taxes for 2020, 2021, and 2022 were unpaid and the property forfeited to the state on December 5, 2023. The repurchase applicant is Maria Esperanza Rodriguez, fee owner at the time of forfeiture.
Repurchaser has submitted, along with repurchase application, down-payment in the amount necessary to enter into repurchase contract. Payments received will be deposited in the Tax Forfeited Land Sale Fund upon execution of repurchase contract.
The city of Saint Paul has reviewed the application for police, building, and property maintenance code violations within the past five years and has resolved that the Board of Ramsey County Commissioners approve the repurchase application for the property.
The department of Property Tax, Records and Election Services (PTRES) has reviewed the repurchase application and supporting documentation and finds Repurchaser has experienced financial hardship which eventually led to the forfeiture of the property.
Based on these findings, PTRES recommends approval of the repurchase application, thereby correcting any undue hardships or injustices resulting from the forfeiture, subject to the Repurchaser executing a repurchase contract within 90 days of approval of the resolution.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
While the racial equity impact of repurchasing one parcel is unclear, racial demographics provide marginal insight. More than 65% of households in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood are non-White, as compared to only 43% of non-White households throughout all of Saint Paul, which makes this an area more racially diverse than most of Saint Paul. Regardless of area demographics, investments made in this community can positively impact racial equity.
Community Participation Level and Impact
PTRES informed the city of Saint Paul about the property. The Saint Paul City Council passed a resolution recommending the Ramsey County Board approve the repurchase.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Revenue from sales of tax-forfeited property is deposited into the Tax Forfeited Land Sale Fund. Net proceeds from this sale in the Fund, after paying administration costs and assessments, are distributed 40% to the county, 40% to the Saint Paul School District #625 and 20% to the city of Saint Paul on an annual basis.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Map of property located at 890 Duchess Street
2. City of Saint Paul Resolution RLH OA 24-1