Rochester Considers Selling Delinquent Tax Liens In Response To Slow Revenue Collections

In Rochester, New York, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reports:

• More than $20 million in delinquent city property tax liens could be sold to a private firm later this year — not uncommon for governments locally and elsewhere but a first for Rochester. The bulk sale of tax liens is the city's latest attempt to raise cash by selling off assets. Mayor Robert Duffy has said such actions are necessary, though not preferable, given tough budget times.

***

• Several council members remain uncertain. Others in the community are skeptical. "The devil is always in the details," said Ruhi Maker, senior attorney with the Empire Justice Center in Rochester. "I would be deeply disturbed. Why such a program, particularly right now with the crest of the foreclosure crisis about to hit us?"

For more, see Rochester split on selling delinquent tax liens.