County helps area man keep his home

The Lyon County Board Tuesday used their power under state law to help a resident of the county secure his living arrangements.

Michael Fonteyn of Taunton made application to the board to re-purchase tax-forfeited property in the City of Taunton. It included his home and only residence.

The parcel was forfeited to the state in May and the estimated market value of the property was $12,900.

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue Tax Delinquent Tax and Tax Forfeiture Manual: “A property owner or taxpayer does not have a right to repurchase. But, he can submit a written application to the county board requesting a repurchase of tax-forfeited land.”

The county board has the consent to approve or disapprove a request to repurchase.

Commissioner Gary Crowley came out in favor of Fonteyn by saying, “I would hate to see anybody lose his home. It is his home and I would make the motion, as long as he can pay the extra fees, that we allow him to re-purchase.”

Commissioner Crowley added, “He is a good worker and is a good person.” If the forfeiture was allowed to stand, ‘This would really create a hardship (For Fonteyn),” said County Attorney Rick Maes.

That’s one of the provisions of the state law. If it creates a hardship, the county can allow the re-purchase.

“Mike has provided a personal check to cover the fees. The money is there and is available,” said Auditor/Treasurer E.J. Moberg.

Fonteyn’s brother Mark Fonteyn indicated he stood behind his brother and would make payments good if Fonteyn could not.