LYNN — Owners of a three-bedroom Colonial on Summer Street were hoping to settle their overdue account at City Hall Tuesday night.
Sengchoy Thavone and Ketsamone Souvannarath have failed to pay their real estate taxes since 2014 and amassed a bill of nearly $18,000 with interest and penalties.
The city foreclosed on the six-room home a year ago. All the while the pair have been living in the home rent free.
The two were prepared to make arrangements to pay the back taxes at the City Council meeting, according to James Lamanna.
But Ward 2 City Councilor Richard Starbard tabled the hearing.
“I am exploring our legal avenues,” he said. “The city should not be in the landlord business.”
Typically, homeowners are allowed to pay the back taxes and remain in the home, Lamanna said.
But critics say it sends a message that it’s OK not to pay your taxes, and there will be no consequences. City attorneys will explore if the owners can be charged an extra fee beyond the interest and penalties to keep their home.
The pair bought the six-room home in 2011 for $79,800. It is assessed at $207,400.
Since the city owns the property, it could sell it and keep all the revenues since there is no mortgage on the 147-year-old home.
