Rock County Commissioners allow Hills couple to repurchase tax-forfeited property

Story updated to correct the spelling of Terry and Holly Metzler's last name.
 
The Rock County Commissioners approved a couple’s request to repurchase their tax-forfeited property in the city of Hills.
Terry and Holly Metzler submitted a written request to Ashley Kurtz at the auditor-treasurer office to repurchase the home at 125 S. Main Street in Hills.
Kurtz brought the proposal to the commissioners, whose approval is necessary for the deed to be transferred from the state of Minnesota to the Metzlers.
The repurchase price of $7,782.54 includes past taxes, penalties and fees. The couple had until Wednesday to complete the repurchase transaction before tax-forfeiture proceedings would continue.
While the city of Hills didn’t directly participate in the repurchase request, Keith Elbers, Hills mayor, asked that the couple’s request be considered.
“The mayor strongly encourages this,” said County Administrator Kyle Oldre. “He asked for you to vote favorably.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the Metzlers’ repurchase request.
According to Kurtz, the repurchase of forfeited property prior to the public tax forfeiture sale “doesn’t happen often,” and she indicated it was the second request since 2011.