Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Struggling Conservator

Tight financial times are affecting the ability of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office to take care of conservatorships for properties it obtains through court appointments, according to Sheriff Randy Smith.

Smith wants a fund to be put into place to help the sheriff’s office restore and maintain properties it obtains when owners fail to care for them as a result of illness, dementia or mental issues.

According to the article, Smith said “There are no funds to operate on them until properties are sold, but I have to maintain them until they are sold.”

Smith added that the Sheriff’s Department must pick up the tab on the properties once the owner’s pension and/or Social Security funds are exhausted.

The department pays for expenses such as appraising the property, lawn care, insurance, home remodeling and preservation before selling it. The Sheriff’s Department has already been spending thousands of dollars to preserve homes. The sheriff is also responsible for any belongings inside the home, such as furniture and appliances, which are also sold.

Full Article and Source:
Sheriff’s office struggling -Taking care of conservatorships tough in tight financial times

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"until properties are sold"....

That says it all, doesn't it? It's taken for granted the properties will be sold.