For Immediate Release
December 5, 2016
Contact: David Little, Tax Collector
207-992-4289
David.little@bangormaine.gov
City of Bangor Foreclosure Notices
Bangor, Maine - This week, the City of Bangor will be mailing approximately 600 Foreclosure Notices to Bangor property owners whose 2014 sewer, storm water and/or 2015 real estate tax accounts remain unpaid as of December 7th. With the conversion to new billing software and implementation of a storm water fee, this may be the first time property owners have received a foreclosure notice for sewer and storm water charges. In addition to the property owner, these notices are also sent to any party who may have an interest in the property, such as a mortgage holder.
Under State Law, failure to pay the charges associated with these notices will result in the ownership of the property automatically transferring to the City. While the City may not take immediate possession of the property, if these amounts remain unpaid, the City becomes the legal owner of the property.
Prior to foreclosure notices being mailed, property owners have received a number of notices regarding their past due accounts including; the initial bill, for sewer and storm water bills the past due amounts have shown on subsequent bills, past due notices prior to the lien process, a demand notice and notice of the liens being filed.
City Councilor Ben Sprague added that “the City of Bangor relies on the prompt and full payment of taxes. Doing so ensures the continuance of vital and necessary city services that are paid for with tax dollars. A lack of payment forces other taxpayers to effectively subsidize the non-payment of taxes by others, which isn't fair or sustainable."
To avoid the foreclosure process, payment in full via cash, debit card, certified check or online credit card payment must be made no later than January 10, 2017 for sewer and storm water liens and January 17, 2017 for real estate liens. If property owners are unable to make payment in full, they are urged to contact the City’s Treasury’s Office to discuss an appropriate payment plan.
The City of Bangor Treasury Office can be reached Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at 207-992-4290.
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The City of Bangor, Maine is a service center community of approximately 33,039 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For more information, visit www.bangormaine.gov.