DETROIT – With the March 30 deadline approaching for delinquent taxpayers in Wayne County who may be subject to foreclosure, the county’s treasurer, 

“We are hoping to pursue and give guidance to people during this strenuous, challenging economic time.”  Raymond J. Wojtowicz

, spoke with The Arab American News about what taxpayers need to know as they continue to deal with the strains of economic problems in the area. 

“What we are appealing to everyone is that time is short and we don’t want them to bury their heads in the sand, we do want them to pay the taxes, and I do not want to take anyone’s property; I’ll repeat that, I do not want to take anyone’s property.” 

A recent series of state-mandated hearings at Cobo Center drew many hundreds of people attempting to prove that they are capable of paying their delinquent taxes in order to avoid the ever-present threat of foreclosure, illustrating how all-encompassing the problem has become. 

Wojtowicz stressed the importance of talking to representatives from the Treasurer’s Office and also visiting the website (www.treasurer.waynecounty.com) for homeowners who are struggling and need assistance.

One of the important programs is the stipulated payment agreement, which allows residents to make partial payments (not less than 20 percent) for 2009 and other prior years’ back taxes. The deadline for a stipulated payment on back taxes is March 30 of this year. Much of the information about the program is on the website, and residents can also visit Wojtowicz’s office in Greektown at 400 Monroe on the 5th floor of the International Center Building. 

“We have a very busy period at the end of this month and before March 30 for individuals to protect and avoid the risk of going into foreclosure,” Wojtowicz said. “We urge them to act now and to do it as early as they can so our staff can attend to them personally, to avoid standing in line for hours…Simply put, let’s talk so we can avoid foreclosure.” 

The treasurer also acknowledges that there are some cases that are so dire that there is little the office can do to help, after which the properties are then sold at state-mandated auctions in September and October. But many who could have saved their properties refuse to act until it’s too late, Wojtowicz said, stressing communication with his office to find ways to help. 

One of the biggest obstacles to saving their properties faced by owners are late fees that pile up and make it even more difficult to pay back taxes, especially after they’ve lost their jobs, had hours cut, or faced other economic hardships. Wojtowicz it is a major issue but one that can’t be changed just yet. 

“Late fees are governed by state law, so those cannot be waived,” he said. “People often say that they are willing to pay the principal amount but not interest or penalties, but the cardinal rule is that interest is out of our hands, and yes, it is a never-ending request.” 

The treasurer did note that some people have been able to visit their local units of government to appeal to legislative bodies and assessors of their city or township, which sometimes leads to reduced penalties, but it often has to be done in a timely fashion.  

“We will be attempting to get the law (on state property taxes) changed, hopefully by the state legislature (to give some relief to homeowners who are in trouble), but right now, the message we want to convey is, do everything you can so that you don’t lose your property, let’s talk.”  

Other organizations Wojtowicz listed that may be able to help property owners are the United Community Housing Coalition in downtown Detroit (phone number  313.963.3310), which works to help people preserve their properties and offers attorneys and paralegals for working with low-income families facing evictions, as well as ACCESS, which is located in Dearborn (phone number 313.842.7010) and also offers help to those facing similar problems. 

Wojtowicz acknowledged that there are trust issues regarding the banks, city and county officials and others that have arisen during the ongoing saga of foreclosures and economic hardships, but also said that maintaining a trusting relationship with the public is his top goal. 

“We are hoping to pursue and give guidance to people during this strenuous, challenging economic time,” he said. “My philosophy was, is and always shall establishing public trust and integrity of this office.

“It’s their money and we are the custodians…I’m hoping we can erase part of the mistrust that we have all witnessed over this period of time.”