AUDIO: Kalamazoo County treasurer says just three owner-occupied homes foreclosed on

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It is crunch time for taxpayers as Tuesday is the deadline for federal and state income taxes.

The deadline for delinquent property owners to avoid foreclosure for failure to pay property taxes passed on April 1st, but once again this year in Kalamazoo County, very few face the prospect of losing their homes.

County Treasurer Thomas Whitener says 44 properties have been seized under foreclosure laws, but only three are owner occupied homes, belonging to residents who failed to respond to their notices and offers of assistance.

He says they tried 26 times, as required by law, using regular mail, certified mail, and postings at homes, and then went over and above those requirements to make contact.

Dozens of others avoided foreclosure by arranging payment plans with the treasurer, and some who meet hardship requirements will have their back bills paid from a fund using county and city of Kalamazoo dollars designated for foreclosure prevention and reducing homelessness.