Robert M. Coltrane, Jr.

Gallagher Township

During the Oct. 2, 2025, Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Snyder issued a statement expressing concerns with the Treasurer’s Office handling of a recent county real estate tax upset sale and “emphasized the importance of timely notices to avoid losses in tax revenue.” (See The Record, Page A1 and A5, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. See also, Clinton County Government Facebook online.)

Snyder noted that “last year, the current real estate taxes contributed $13,379,563 to the county’s budget of $55.4 million” and that $730,000 in delinquent taxes remained unpaid.

Snyder said that because the county treasurer, who is paid $8,988 as tax claim director, did not send out notices in a timely manner, a number of properties were not able to be offered at the upset sale which resulted in a loss of revenue for the County and that those properties will generate no tax revenue for another year. Snyder added that “this loss of revenue could result in the county having to raise taxes, and that’s not something the commissioners wish to do.”

Unfortunately, this is not the first time the issue of timely notices and loss of tax sale revenue has occurred in the Treasurer’s Office under Michelle “Mick” Kunes.

The Clinton County Upset Tax Sale of properties held on Sept. 18, 2023, was voided and a Court Order issued requiring the County Treasurer “to refund the proceeds of said sales to the successful bidders” because the Treasurer had failed to satisfy the 30-day legal requirement of advanced notification in two newspapers. That error resulted in a loss of almost $200,000 in revenues for the County coffers and did not include the considerable tax dollars spent to advertise, print posters, send certified mailers to owners of the delinquent real estate properties or overtime payroll costs by sheriff’s deputies to post the properties. This was an inexcusable and costly error by someone who claims 34 years’ “EXPERIENCE” working in the Treasurer’s Office.

In her 2025 Primary Campaign ads, Kunes stated that she had “consistently [exceeded] expectations to ensure tasks are completed and queries addressed” and was “dedicated to providing superior services.” Kunes’ unfortunate track record with untimely Real Estate Tax Sales notifications and loss of revenues proves her claims false.

It’s time to elect a competent candidate who will pay attention to legal details, get things done accurately and on time, and prevent loss of revenues. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, vote for Leslie Clukey for Clinton County Treasurer.