Title
Quit-Claim Deed for Tax Parcel 6695-000-000 (B)
This item involves a request to authorize the City Mayor to execute a Quit-claim deed on Tax Parcel 6695-000-000.
Explanation
On November 15, 2001, the City of Gainesville acquired two-thirds interest of the title to Tax Parcel 6695-000-000 from May Graves Browning by Quit-claim deed. The remaining one-third interest remained vested in the name of Charles P. Graves, who is deceased. At the time of conveyance of the two-thirds interest in the title to the City, taxes for the years 1999 and 2000 were outstanding. After acquiring the tax certificates for these years, an application was made for a Tax Deed for a total cost of $827.92. At the auction for the Tax Deed, the winning bid was submitted by the City, but was for an amount greater than the authorized approval limit of the City Manager. As the City could not pay this bid amount, the City was declared in default and barred from participating in the second auction for the Tax Deed. The property was sold to the current owner, Hat Cheong Lau, during this second auction. His bid was for an amount greater than $12,000.00, resulting in a refund to the City of the initial Tax Deed application fee and the surplus amount of $11,087.59 to compensate for the City's two-thirds interest.
The current owner has requested the City of Gainesville to execute a Quit-claim Deed to clear the cloud of ownership on Tax Parcel 6695-000-000.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
Recommended Motion: The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Mayor to execute a Quit-claim Deed, thereby releasing any interest the City of Gainesville may have in Tax Parcel 6695-000-000, subject to approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission deny the request and inform the property owner to file suit to Quiet Title.