To the editor:
I made the news in several local newspapers on Thanksgiving Day. The NMCC construction students surprised me with a new set of outdoor stairs. I had fallen many times on the cement stairs that were there. These new stairs were so much safer for me. I could finally leave my house without the fear of falling on these stairs! My excitement quickly ended when, on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, I received a certified letter from the Town of Perham. Enclosed was a Notice of Impending Automatic Foreclosure.
It stated that I was the party named on a tax lien certificate filed on July 24, 2008 and recorded in Book 4605, Page 260 in the Aroostook County Registry of Deeds. This filing has created a tax lien mortgage on the real estate described therein. It read, “On January 26, 2010, the tax lien mortgage will be foreclosed and your right to recover your property by paying the taxes, interest and costs that are owed will expire. If the tax lien forecloses, the municipality will own your property.”
My husband, Robert passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2008. This lien was filed seven days (yes, seven days) after his passing. At that time, I had filed for a tax abatement with the Town of Perham but my request was denied.
I am totally disabled and my only income is my monthly disability check. When we moved here in 2007, we used all of our savings to purchase this house. I never thought that I would be losing our house due to a tax lien of approximately $2,200. I do not have the money to pay this before the deadline date of Jan. 25, 2010.
The reality is that on Jan. 26, 2010, my family and I will be homeless. I am in the need of a Christmas miracle!
Perham
