79-Year-Old Vet with Dementia Evicted by Gov’t from Home He OWNED Over Unpaid Property Taxes

[KAJUN]

Fort Worth, TX – A 79-year-old veteran suffering from dementia was evicted from his long-time family home on Friday, and his belongings scattered across the front yard, after failing to pay a $6,000 property tax bill.
“All this is furniture from my living room,” Billie McGruder, who lived in the house for decades, told a crew from CBS DFW. “It’s out there for everybody to see.”
Only two weeks prior to his 80th birthday, McGruder got a knock on the door informing him that it was time to vacate the home he inherited from his parents who bought the house in the 1930s.
“They come to evict me for back taxes,” said McGruder.
Tarrant County records reveal that authorities seized his home over nearly $6,000 in unpaid taxes and auctioned the property off to a real estate company for $38,000.
While Tarrant County Precinct 8 Constable Michael Campbell told WFAA that the eviction followed standard protocol, with the property being sold on January 2, 2017, to a new owner, McGruder said he didn’t know what was happening to his home in recent months, understand the letters about overdue taxes or realize that his home was being put up for auction.
“He had an opportunity to file a legal challenge to the writ,” said Constable Campbell.
But according to family and friends, McGruder suffers from dementia and likely did not understand what was taking place. For example, when interviewing McGruder, a WFAA reporter asked his age; he said he was 68-years-old—he is actually 79.
“He understands but he doesn’t understand,” explained neighbor Anthony Drake Jr., who said he has known McGruder his entire life, and explained that the 79-year-old vet was like a “grandfather” to him.

Thankfully, the community has come together to correct this manifest injustice.
“As long as he doesn’t have a home, he has one here,” said Drake.
When the new homeowner was tracked down by local media, he was surprised to hear about the systemic failures that allowed an elderly vet with dementia to be evicted from his family home.
The new owner, Yamal Mulid, told CBS2 that he knew nothing about the former owner when he purchased the property at auction.
“If I knew this was going to happen or the old man is in the house, I would never have bought the house,” he said. “If they want the house back, they can have it. I wish they could come up with the money and they can buy the house back from me.”
Meanwhile, as the drama was upending McGruder’s life, local residents took it upon themselves, in coordination with his family, to start a GoFundMe for him—and they have raised nearly $12,000 as of Thursday.
Subsequently, Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector and State Senator Konni Burton said on Monday that Mulid had agreed to reverse the sale of the home.
“He will back out of the sale, and so now, the home can go back to Mr. McGruder,” Burton said.
McGruder’s ordeal highlights the extreme shortcomings of our current system, as no one should have to go through the process of having their life completely upended, with a lifetime of memories strewn across the lawn.
Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector Ron Wright said McGruder could have filed an over-65 exemption before the auction, which would have indefinitely deferred his taxes, thus negating being taken to court or evicted. Of course, an elderly man with dementia living on his own cannot be expected to legitimately be aware of such processes.

“It’s frustrating, it’s aggravating, it’s sad,” Burton said about the situation.
Burton said her and Wright are discussing potential legislative solutions to help prevent situations like this in the future.
“Ron and I are already talking about how we can prevent this from happening in the future, so we’re looking at legislation right now, talking about it,” she said.
It seems clear that this man needed some assistance in navigating the tax bureaucracy—as someone without dementia can easily get lost attempting to navigate the never-ending maze of tax hell.
The idea of forcing an elderly veteran with dementia onto the streets and confiscating a property that has been owned by his family for nearly 80 years, simply because he didn’t pay the government forced taxation on the value of the land he already owns, is clearly tyrannical in nature.
Thankfully, neighbors and community came together to help find a resolution for McGruder. On Monday, Dallas-based Veterans R Moving Us packed up what was left on the yard and transported it to a storage unit that’s being paid for by an organization called Feed A Million Veterans.
“He shouldn’t be in this predicament right now,” said Verna Owens with Veterans R Moving Us. “Somebody should have had their eye on him.”
While the home is in need of extensive repairs, and McGruder’s health issues have forced him to stay with extended family, his family called the news of getting the home back “amazing.”

https://thefreethoughtproject.com/80-ye ... zgTJgJTXK4

[FallenAngel]

This Bull Shit needs to be fixed

[KAJUN]

Many years ago after paying off our home I asked for the title.... well even though I paid the mortgage off in full and the home is in our names we don't actually 'OWN" it....SURPRISE
that's what I was told when the parish accessor informed me that the parish holds the title to my property and home..
And do you know why... they hold the title just in case I am delinquent in my yearly taxes , like this poor soul found out, it's much easier for them to
seize "MY" so called property and home that I paid for .

[Herb]

This Bull Shit needs to be fixed

How?

While I agree to a certain extent the money collected would need to come from somewhere else. Your property taxes pay for schools/fire/police and many other local services.

failure to pay property taxes causes the loss of your property, failure to pay income taxes can get you sent to jail. Would it be better to jail the person that doesn't pay the property taxes?

In a perfect world, taxes would not be necessary but we don't live in a perfect world, there are too many socialist/communists/democrats.

[HARRIS]

RE TAXES ... CONSTANTLY PAYING RANSOM TO THE COUNTY FOREVER

IT'S A SHAME HE DIDN'T REALIZE HE COULDA HAVE PROCLAIMED HE WAS AN AN ILLEGAL MINORITY

[FallenAngel]

This Bull Shit needs to be fixed

How?

While I agree to a certain extent the money collected would need to come from somewhere else. Your property taxes pay for schools/fire/police and many other local services.

failure to pay property taxes causes the loss of your property, failure to pay income taxes can get you sent to jail. Would it be better to jail the person that doesn't pay the property taxes?

In a perfect world, taxes would not be necessary but we don't live in a perfect world, there are too many socialist/communists/democrats.

How??
Herb as reported the man was suffering from dementia
He lost his home over $6,000,00 The IRS sold his property for $38,000.00
The government Our government is killing out wounded Those that need help and cant seek help are put on the back burner and left to boil out.
I started paying income tax when I was in high school I have owned many classic vehicles that i could have classic plates on But always payed for tabs because I know where that money is supposed to go. But it dosnt go where it is supposed to go. It goes into Bike lanes and bus stops
I have to wonder why no one helped this man
I have to wounder why the government failed in offering aid to a VET
I have to wounder Why Constable Michael Campbell feels he did the right thing because he followed standard protocol

We are Killing our wounded
How??
It never should have happened

[FallenAngel]

If I may continue
I know where My tax dollars are supposed to go
For 13 years your Tax dollars supported me in the military
Many of your tax dollars funded my training an in return I trained others using your tax dollars.
Today My tax dollars are not going for the intended purpose of what I have been told My tax dollars are going for.
It seems I just keep voting for the wrong people
The people I pay with my tax dollars to over see my best interests It also seems to me that my tax dollars are going into someones pocket and I see no return on my investment

There are so many different types of people in the world Most of those types are very disappointing to me
Billie McGruder was weak Are we not supposed to take care of the weak
What happened to Billie McGruder was wrong Legal or not it was just wrong He had dementia and now what happens to him a 79 year old man lost in a world Now has nothing
Not to mention he was a vet
This Bull shit needs to be fixed
How ?
Stop voting greedy adolescent ass holes into power

[HARRIS]

FA

WE NEVER KNOW THAT THEY ARE REAL ASSHOLES UNTIL THE ARE ELECTED AND GIVEN FREE REIN, AND THEN IT'S TOO LATE....

[KAJUN]

The Consequences of Not Paying Property Taxes
Written by Jane Meggitt; Reviewed by Jodi Thornton-O'Connell, GRI, Fitness & Nutrition Coaching Certificate; Updated December 02, 2018
Municipalities depend on property taxes to fund a range of services, from road maintenance, police and fire departments, libraries, parks and recreation and a host of others. Property taxes also fund public education. That’s one reason why the consequences of failing to pay property taxes are often severe. If too many homeowners or businesses fail to pay such taxes on time, the quality of life for the community suffers.
Tip
Consequences for not paying your property taxes include increased monies owed through fines and fees. You could ultimately lose your home.

Avoid Tax Liens and Tax Sales
In the worst-case scenario, not paying your property taxes means you will lose your house. Depending on your state and jurisdiction, the property is either sold at public auction or the tax lien is sold and the buyer forecloses on the dwelling if you don't pay back the back taxes, fees and interest. Property tax liens are claims against the property for the amount of taxes due. Such liens take priority over any other type of lien, and that includes your mortgage. For that reason, a lender will generally pay the back property taxes so the home doesn’t face a tax sale. The mortgage company will then attempt to have the borrower pay the amount due. If the borrower isn’t able to comply, the lender starts foreclosure proceedings.

Apply for Home Redemption
In many states, the delinquent owner can redeem the home even after a tax sale is held by reimbursing the buyer for what they paid, with interest, within a certain time frame. In most states, the redemption period is a year, but it is important to find out your state’s laws. In California, once your house is sold at a tax sale, you are out of luck.

Pay Delinquent Property Taxes
Should a property remain in default for five years, the tax collector has the right to sell it. Such properties are placed on the Delinquent Property Tax Statement, and the tax collector may either sell it at public auction or the property is “otherwise conveyed to new ownership.” Once a property is placed on the delinquent statement, the only way for the owner to redeem it prior to sale is by paying all of the back taxes, along with applicable fees and penalties. Once the house is sold, the delinquent former owner cannot get it back.

[FallenAngel]

FA

WE NEVER KNOW THAT THEY ARE REAL ASSHOLES UNTIL THE ARE ELECTED AND GIVEN FREE REIN, AND THEN IT'S TOO LATE....

Yah I know
I cant count the number of employers that turned out to be complete ass holes after I moved my tools in. And that is just employers.
I my self dont talk politics I dont want to High jack this thread and turn it into a political discussion
With that in mind your correct and its the "Free Rein" part that does it for me. Total and complete Bull shit
If I go into a store and buy a can of Chef Boy RD spaghetti and meat balls and I get home an open the can and find something other then Spaghetti and meat balls then I can go back to the store and get my money back because Safeway wants my business. This isnt so with our politicians as it should be Politics is only good business for the politicians.

I just keep thinking of this elderly man that is lost in a world that he no lounger knows and becoming more confused with each passing moment

One Ass Hole employer I had gave me a call to jump start a pick up blocking a drive way to a gas station which was also run be an Ass hole.
The gentleman's alternator went out so a jump want going to get him home 60 miles away and and the tow bill would have been close to $600.00 the man had no cash or card to pay for towing and the only check he brought was used for his granddaughters graduation present. He did have checks at home. But the company didnt take checks Understandable But under the circumstance this would be an exception. When I explained this I was ask if he was family ??.
I explained the that I couldn't take a check and ask if he had someone to call But he had no cell phone and didnt know anyone's number He had no one he was alone. And then He started to cry and said" I dont know what to do". I believe the man had early stages of dementia.
I had only one choice. I told my employer I would cover the check if it bounces
The poor guys Pick up wasnt worth what the tow bill was.

Know Im not one for pity I believe pity is one of the worst forms of disrespect. I do pity the perpetual victim. The type that it is never their fault The why is it always me victims
This elderly gentleman needed some help He needed my help. My conscience wouldn't let me drive away

The IRS evicted a man with dementia from everything remotely familiar to him
"the eviction followed standard protocol" What a joke
Although it seems to have worked out in the end It never should have happened

That is what needs to be fixed

[Herb]

I agree that something needs to be done, but why the hell is it the government's job to do "something"?

His family, his friends and his community let him down.

His family and friends had to know that he has dementia and yet they didn't do anything to make sure that his bills were paid. Not sure of the state he is in but every state I know the property has to be 5 years in arrears to have it taken. That means that for 5 years NO ONE he knew bothered to inquire as to his financial state.

The last few years of my dad's life he had dementia from 2 strokes. I, my brother and my sister made sure that he was taking care of himself and that his bills were paid. Because all of us lived a distance away we kept in contact with his neighbors to keep us informed as to how he was doing.

Family, friends, and neighbors are the ones that let this man down, NOT the government.

[FallenAngel]

I agree that something needs to be done, but why the hell is it the government's job to do "something"?

His family, his friends and his community let him down.

His family and friends had to know that he has dementia and yet they didn't do anything to make sure that his bills were paid. Not sure of the state he is in but every state I know the property has to be 5 years in arrears to have it taken. That means that for 5 years NO ONE he knew bothered to inquire as to his financial state.

The last few years of my dad's life he had dementia from 2 strokes. I, my brother and my sister made sure that he was taking care of himself and that his bills were paid. Because all of us lived a distance away we kept in contact with his neighbors to keep us informed as to how he was doing.

Family, friends, and neighbors are the ones that let this man down, NOT the government.

Herb Please
I am not anti Government
All I am saying is this never should have happened
I agree his Family and what friends he may have had could have taken a closer interest in Mr McGruder welfare
Anthony Drake Jr claims That Billie was "Like a Grandfather "to him But that dosnt mean that he was getting and opening his mail. And there is Little mention of family.
If Bilie McGruder is anything like me he would have been a bit of a recluse and possibly ,in his in his normal state of mind, may have been bothered by uninvited guests. The article makes no mention of any past history. With the exception of the exterior condition of his House and property there may have been no other clues of Billie McGruders failing mental condition with out contact and a history to compare to.
I am not saying it is entirely the governments fault
This statement
"While Tarrant County Precinct 8 Constable Michael Campbell told WFAA that the eviction followed standard protocol, with the property being sold on January 2, 2017, to a new owner, McGruder said he didn’t know what was happening to his home in recent months, understand the letters about overdue taxes or realize that his home was being put up for auction."
Really has my undies in a bundle
If standard protocol has no provisions for Mr McGruder's circumstance then it is the system that is flawed. And that sir is the governments shortcoming. Constable Michael Campbell must have known something was up and may have not had any other recourse but to follow through with the eviction.
Family and friends may not know what to look for concerning Mr McGruders failing mental condition or maybe they didnt have the the authority to take over Mr McGruders finances Or how to go about being appointed guardian.
The posted story dosnt mention the back story
The system failed not just one part of the system but the whole part of the system.
Your Dad was one of the few of the blessed that had family and friends watching over him

[BlacktopTravelr]

FA

WE NEVER KNOW THAT THEY ARE REAL ASSHOLES UNTIL THE ARE ELECTED AND GIVEN FREE REIN, AND THEN IT'S TOO LATE....

Well, you see there is part of your problem...you give them free rein when they shouldn't have it. Our elected representatives voted to give themselves a raise every Jan unless they vote not to take it. I think it was this year they voted not to give those on SS a $335 raise and then turned around and voted themselves a raise of over $8,000. Time for term limits, actually it is too late for that but it would show those in office who is really the boss.

[SuzyRidr2]

FA

WE NEVER KNOW THAT THEY ARE REAL ASSHOLES UNTIL THE ARE ELECTED AND GIVEN FREE REIN, AND THEN IT'S TOO LATE....

Well, you see there is part of your problem...you give them free rein when they shouldn't have it. Our elected representatives voted to give themselves a raise every Jan unless they vote not to take it. I think it was this year they voted not to give those on SS a $335 raise and then turned around and voted themselves a raise of over $8,000. Time for term limits, actually it is too late for that but it would show those in office who is really the boss.

No, once elected they are really the boss. They make the rules. You talk as though it's the voters who made the laws that give them automatic raises or unlimited numbers of terms in office. Trust me on this. They are not going to legislate themselves out of a pay raise or out of a job. [space]