Man’s loss of home over tax bill leads to county reforms

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has enacted reforms to improve notification of delinquent property taxes. The board acted after The Times reported the plight of 85-year-old Terrell Dotson, whose Inglewood was auctioned by the county to pay a $546 tax bill and interest and penalties.

The bill was sent to the previous owner after Dotson purchased the property in 1995. He paid subsequent taxes, though sometimes he was late or wrote the wrong amount on his check. Under the new rules:

* Each year, homeowners will receive a separate delinquent notice, informing them of any back taxes due.

* Homeowners will be encouraged to voluntarily give the county the name of a friend or relative who would be notified before a property is auctioned.

* In cases in which the amount is less than 10% of the assessed value, owner-occupied property will not be sold until a representative from the county’s Department of Community and Senior Service and Department of Consumer Affairs meets with the homeowners and advises them of available payment plans.

* On regular tax bill, a notice of delinquent taxes will be printed in bold against a brightly colored background.

The payment stub that those who pay in person present to a cashier will also indicate a delinquency, which will alert the cashier that back taxes are due.