Accountability.

🏙️ Wagoner, Oklahoma — City Inspector Gordon Goins has been making waves in the local real estate scene, but not all of it is smooth sailing. Recent revelations about his land acquisitions on behalf of the city have raised eyebrows and sparked a heated debate.

The Lien Conundrum

Goins has been actively acquiring land through county Treasurer’s tax sales, a practice that has drawn both curiosity and concern. These parcels of land, however, come with existing liens filed against them by none other than the City of Wagoner itself. The question on everyone’s lips: Why would the city purchase properties with its own liens attached?

When questioned about his actions, the reply from the Planning and Zoning department was that if the city did not buy these properties, the liens would be lost. Unfortunately for Goins, this assertion is inaccurate. In reality, the lien remains firmly attached to the land even after a new buyer acquires it. The city’s initial filing of approximately $10,445.53 in liens on the property in question is not wiped away by a mere tax sale.

“Quieting the Title”

So what happens next? Despite paying $10,116.69 for the property during the tax sale, the city now faces an additional hurdle. To establish true ownership, they must embark on a legal process known as “quieting the title.” This involves a court case to untangle the web of ownership rights and ensure that the city’s claim is ironclad. It’s a costly and time-consuming endeavor, and taxpayers are left footing the bill.

Double Payment Dilemma

But the plot thickens. Not only has the city acquired these properties, but it also holds its own liens on them. This double financial commitment—once during the abatement process and now with taxpayer money at the Treasurer’s tax sale—raises serious questions about financial management and accountability. Are taxpayers getting the best deal? Is there a more efficient way to handle these acquisitions?

As the debate rages on, citizens are demanding transparency and answers. Inspector Goins may have thought he was securing the city’s interests, but the tangled web of liens and double payments has left many scratching their heads. Perhaps it’s time for a closer look at the fine print and a reevaluation of the city’s land acquisition strategy.

🔍 Stay tuned for further developments as we delve deeper into this intriguing saga.