MESA, AZ — Officials with the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office told ABC15 that it is working on a "resolution" with other county agencies that could allow a disabled veteran to keep his home.
The Let Joe Know team broke the story of Jim Boerner of Mesa, who had been living in limbo since June 20 when his mobile home was auctioned by the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office for delinquent personal property taxes, despite Boerner making a payment towards them.
Since the sale, MCSO and the County Treasurer have asked Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery's office to review and possibly reverse the transaction.
On Friday morning a spokesman for Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora confirmed that he offered to personally buy back the trailer from investor Lester Payne for $25,000. Now ABC15 has learned, county officials met to find a different solution which could include filing for a stay of eviction.
Montgomery's office released a statement on Friday saying in part, "This morning, representatives of the County Attorney’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office met to review the next steps in resolving issues related to the sale of Mr. Boerner’s primary residence. The County Attorney advised all at the meeting that Arizona statutes do not authorize any County official to invalidate the sale that has already occurred. Nonetheless, County officials are committed to working with counsel for Mr. Boerner to assist him in keeping his home."
The statement added, "...it is important to note that this is a process and will take a while to complete."
Boerner said he thought he had an exemption from taxes because of his disability but was told by county call center employees and a tax bill that he had until June 30 to pay delinquent taxes. Records show he paid $405 on June 13. His mobile home was sold on June 20.
The Treasurer's office faulted MCSO with selling the home too early, but in a press conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Paul Penzone defended his office saying that it followed state law in the sale. He also said that a new credit card processing system that the Treasurer's office implemented did not clear Boerner's payment until the day after the auction.
