25-267 : Wyatt - RESOLUTION REQUESTING AN UPDATE ON THE IN-REM AUCTION PROCESS AND SURPLUS FUNDS

This resolution, sponsored by Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt and initiated by Pedro Gonzalez-Ortiz, requests an update on Buffalo's In-Rem auction process and the handling of surplus funds. The Common Council is concerned about recent changes to the auction process, its legality, and compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that surplus funds from such auctions must be returned to property owners.

Key Requests:

1. Corporation Counsel and Commissioner of Assessment and Taxation to provide an update on the new In-Rem auction process and any planned changes at the Finance Committee meeting.
2. Department of Finance and Administration to present a full accounting of previous In-Rem surplus funds, detailing actions taken to return funds to former property owners and any outstanding balances.

The resolution emphasizes the need for transparency and legal compliance to protect both the City and impacted property owners. The item was adopted by the Common Council on February 4, 2025, but has since been repeatedly tabled by the Finance Committee.