As general manager for the Tellico Village Property Owners Association, I want to make sure Villagers are informed on important topics and initiatives initiated by your board of directors. The following is a re-broadcast of information we put out in the March 15 Tell-E-Gram concerning the issue surrounding Tellico Village lots and the Loudon County tax sale.
There has been some public discussion once again concerning the status of the Tellico Village lots that are delinquent in paying the Loudon County taxes and are therefore candidates for the Loudon County tax sale. The delinquent lots were acquired by a combination of individuals and land speculators who ultimately did not pay the taxes or assessments on their Tellico Village lots, some of which were returned to the POA. Normally, delinquent properties are put through a county tax sale to attempt to recoup some of the lost tax revenue for the county.
Under Tennessee law, if the county puts a lot up for sale and it is not sold, the county takes possession of the lot and then is responsible for all financial obligations that run with the lot. In our case, that would mean that the county would be responsible for paying assessments for each lot that is located in Tellico Village.
The county has declined to put these delinquent Tellico Village lots through the tax sale because it does not want to be obligated to pay any POA assessments on lots that are unsold at the tax sale. The POA understands that the county cannot afford to pay the assessments for any lots that are not sold at the tax sale. However, the POA does not want the unsold lots to remain in limbo and has therefore offered to take the lots back without any county assessment payments.
The POA stated this position several times to the county, both in person and in writing, over the course of more than a year. While notifying the POA that they received our written offer to take the unsold lots back, the county did not respond to the POA to conclude this matter.
In a recent editorial in the News-Herald, the comment was made as to why can’t these two parties get together and solve this dilemma? The POA would like to work out a win-win solution to this problem with the county representatives. The tax sale process, even if the lots are unsold, would eliminate the liens on these properties, thereby making them more marketable. In some cases the period of delinquency has raised the tax liens above the commercial value of the lots, making them essentially unsellable now and in the future.
If the lots are ever sold to a third party who will build a residence, the county would then receive from 100 to 200 times the revenue over the undeveloped lot and the POA would receive assessments. Thus, both the county and the POA are incentivized to do whatever they can to get these lots back into the hands of third parties that will pay both taxes and assessments.
In summary, the POA desires to work with the Loudon County representatives to finalize a mutually beneficial settlement whereby they would place the delinquent lots up for tax sale. If sold, no further action is required and revenues would be generated for both the county and the POA. If unsold, the properties would then be returned to the POA free of any encumbrances, no assessments would be payable by the county to the POA and the lots would then be more marketable for future revenues for both the county and the POA.
In order to move toward a timely conclusion of this matter, the POA has once again sent a written proposal to the county offering to take back the Tellico Village lots that are unsold at the upcoming tax sale.
I will make sure we continue to communicate our progress on this vital issue. It’s important to the county, the POA and all of Tellico Village.
Golf staff realignment
Jim West has moved some folks around in the pro shop world. I agree with Jim that this new structure will provide an enjoyable and continuously improving golf experience for our members and guests.
Adam Jacob has moved his primary location from Tanasi Golf Course to Toqua Golf Course. Jeff Harrington has moved his primary location from Toqua Golf Course to The Links at Kahite. Peyton Ritchie, who has worked for Tellico Village for many years, has been promoted to assistant golf professional working at Tanasi and Toqua golf courses. New to our staff is Casey Flenniken, who also joins our team as an assistant professional working at Tanasi and Toqua golf courses.
Stop by and introduce yourself to our new folks in their new locations. Enjoy your round.
POA and Rec 101
The next edition of POA 101 is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Yacht Club. POA 101 is a session for newcomers or Villagers who would like a refresher on Village governance and finances. Attendees will receive a comprehensive packet of information about Tellico Village and the complementary Tellico Village license plate.
Anyone wanting to attend is strongly encouraged to RSVP with Patty Robichaud in the public relations department at 865-458-5408, ext. 4115. Your RSVP will ensure that we have enough handouts for all attendees.
The recreation department also offers a Rec 101 session to tell property owners all the features available at the wellness facilities. The Rec 101 for April is set for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Wellness Center. Please RSVP with Jessica Antrim at 865-458-7070.
Golf 101
There will be a Golf 101 session at 9 a.m. Friday, April 22, at the Tanasi Golf Course clubhouse. Please call Tanasi at 865-458-4707 to reserve your spot. Come learn all about the Chelsea Tee Time system, league play, free golf clinics and professional lessons.
