FAQs
WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A TAX LIEN CERTIFICATE SALE?
The purchase of a Tax Lien Certificate is a risky investment. Investors are strongly advised to investigate the property they intend to purchase and know exactly what they are buying before bidding at the Tax Lien Certificate Sale. The Collector gives no guarantees and makes no representations regarding property title or the nature of the interest in the property that is listed. The Collector gives no guarantees and makes no representations regarding prompt redemption or return of the lien amount, etc.
CAN A TAX LIEN CERTIFICATE BE VOIDED?
Yes...Occasionally it may be necessary for the Collector to void a Tax Sale Certificate after award. In that event, neither the owner nor the Collector will pay interest, legal fees, costs, or any other charges to the Tax Lien Certificate Holder.
WHY WOULD A TAX LIEN CERTIFICATE BE CANCELLED?
Some of the reasons a tax sale may be cancelled are to correct errors, omissions, or double assessments or when ordered by a court.
ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN COSTS AT A DELINQUENT TAX SALE?
The dollar amount shown on the delinquent listing and on line advertisement prior to the tax sale is the balance due to date, it does not include any additional costs or interest that may get added by the time the tax sale begins. During the tax sale the amounts you are given will include all costs and interest due.
DO I HAVE TO NOTIFY THE TAX DEBTOR THAT I PURCHASED THEIR PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE?
Refer to La. R.S. 47:2156---Within the applicable redemptive period the tax sale purchaser should send a written notice to any or all tax sale parties notifying the parties of the sale. Due Diligence is highly recommended.
WHAT IS A PUBLIC RECORD?
Public records are defined by the Louisiana Public Records Law as "[a]ll books, records, writings, accounts, letters, and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers, and all copies , duplicates, photographs, including microfilm, or other reproductions thereof, or any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, including information contained in electronic data processing equipment, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty, or function which was conducted, transacted, or performed by or under the authority of the constitution or laws of this state, or by or under the authority of any ordinance, regulation, mandate, or order of any public body or concerning the receipt or payment of any money received or paid by or under the authority of the constitution or the laws of this state."
Every record made or received by the City is presumed to be a public record, unless it is subject to an exemption. Public records exempt from disclosure are those that federal, state or local law prohibits the City from disclosing or permits the City to decline to disclose. Louisiana Public Records Law and its exemptions appears in La. R.S. 44:41.1, et. seq.
HOW DO I REQUEST A PUBLIC RECORD?
To review or receive a copy of a public record, you must first make a request to the "custodian" of the document in question. The efficient way to make a public record request is by contacting the City Clerk.
WHAT IS A CUSTODIAN?
The custodian of a public record is "the public official or head of any public body having custody or control of a public record, or a representative specifically authorized by him to respond to request to inspect any such public records."
WHAT DO I NEED TO SAY IN MY REQUEST?
There is no specific form that must be used to request records, nor is there any language you must use in your request. To expedite processing of your request, please be as specific as possible. Keep in mind that all public records requests must request a record, not ask a question.
WHO MAY REQUEST A PUBLIC RECORD?
Any person of the age of majority may request a public record.
WHEN MAY I REVIEW A PUBLIC RECORD?
Examinations of records must be conducted during regular office or working hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm), unless the custodian authorizes examination of records in other than regular office or working hours. In this latter event, the persons designated to represent the custodian during such examination shall be entitled to reasonable compensation to be paid to them by the public body having custody of such record, out of funds provided in advance by the person examining such record in other than regular office or working hours.
HOW MUCH MAY CITY CHARGE ME FOR RESPONDING TO THE REQUEST?
The City Council of the City of Pineville has adopted a fee schedule with Resolution 2024-0312-14. Please refer to the fee schedule for fees that will apply to your request. Once responsive documents have been identified so that page numbers and required medium of production can be determined, you will be notified of the applicable charges. You will be required to pay those charges prior to having your documents released to you.
WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION?
View the Staff Directory on the website for contact information of the department for which your question is related to.