OK to sell widow's home over $6 bill, judge rules

[mfcorey1]

BEAVER, Pa. — A widow was given ample notice before her $280,000 house was sold at a tax auction three years ago over $6.30 in unpaid interest, a Pennsylvania judge has ruled.
The decision last week turned down Eileen Battisti's request to reverse the September 2011 sale of her home outside Aliquippa in western Pennsylvania.
"I paid everything, and didn't know about the $6.30," Battisti said. "For the house to be sold just because of $6.30 is crazy."
Battisti, who still lives in the house, said Monday that she plans to appeal to Commonwealth Court. That court earlier ordered an evidentiary hearing, which led to last week's ruling.
Beaver County Common Pleas Judge Gus Kwidis wrote that the county tax claim bureau complied with notification requirements in state law before the auction. She had previously owed other taxes, but at the time of the sale she owed just $235, including other interest and fees.
"There is no doubt that (she) had actual receipt of the notification of the tax upset sale on July 7, 2011, and Aug. 16, 2011," the judge wrote. "Moreover, on Aug. 12, 2011, a notice of sale was sent by first class mail and was not returned."


http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/top-news/pa-judge-upholds-sale-of-280k-home-over-6-bill/nfj2w/

[FiveGoodMen]

1. The US has the death penalty

but never applies it to the right people.

[TeamPooka]

8. +1000

[joeybee12]

2. Snet via first class mail...what a lame confirmation...

Unless it was sent certified or registered, you can't assume this woman got it and ignore it...I mean, the Post Office NEVER misdelivers, does it?

[merrily]

3. Clicked to see which bank. It was the county, over $6 in taxes.

Government of the people, by the people, for the people strikes again.

[demwing]

4. pitchforks and torches

MUST it come to this?

[shraby]

5. It doesn't give the age of the widow. That could be a big factor as

to why she overlooked it.

[appleannie1]

7. She looks to be middleaged. Link to picture

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20140428_ap_19709495ce3342f6bf59be478999be5a.html

[enough]

6. Hey, where's the PA Bundy posse? That guy gets away with a tax bill of a million,

but things are different here in PA, apparently.

[PumpkinAle]

9. The house was completely paid off.

The bill was for $6.30, ballooned to $235 and then auctioned - something really stinks in Beaver.

[onethatcares]

10. i wonder if a politico will end up with it

stranger things have happened.

[NaturalHigh]

11. What?

The judge is giving someone cover to make a huge profit at this woman's expense. Come on now...almost anyone with the means would be glad to pay off her bill, even the interest and penalties if it would save her house.

[Liberal_in_LA]

12. wow

[dickthegrouch]

13. Open letter to Judge Gus Kwidis

Dear Judge,
Is there ANY hypocrisy in your decision? If so, please be VERY careful what you wish for.
Karma can be a rude awakening.