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SUMMIT COUNTY -- Summit County is pondering an offer from a couple who learned they weren't paying their full share of property taxes, and who claim there are hundreds of others out there just like them.
Interim County Manager Brian Bellamy said the county discovered the unnamed couple was claiming a second home as a primary residence and taking advantage of a 45 percent property tax break. People who live in their homes for most of the year get that break, while property owners of secondary homes do not. When they learned of their mistake, Bellamy said the couple offered to help find others for a cut of what they bring in.
"Economic times are pretty tough," Bellamy said. "We're trying to find every nickel and dime we can and this is money that is really owed to the residents of the county."
Bellamy said the pair has already identified several homes. But he said the idea is still in its infancy. He said no contract has been drawn up and the legal department would have to determine things are done correctly.
Personally, Bellamy would like to ensure that the work would involve a search of public records, rather than someone parking outside a home and taking notes. "No snooping," he said.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
