Church Saved from Auction
An Atlanta church has temporarily avoided being auctioned off after a Channel 2 Action News investigation brought attention to its plight. The Solid Rock Christian Ministries, located on Huff Road in Northwest Atlanta, faced the possibility of losing its longtime home due to unpaid property taxes. The auction, scheduled for the following Tuesday, has now been put on hold, giving the church some breathing room to address the issue.
Discovery of Auction Notice
The situation came to light when a landscaper found a notice from the sheriff under a mat at the church, indicating that the property would be sold at auction. This discovery led to a series of events that culminated in the temporary halt of the auction. Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray reported on the story, which highlighted the church’s efforts to resolve the tax issue and retain its property.
Tax Exemption Revoked
Solid Rock Christian Ministries, which has been at its current location for four decades, had been exempt from property taxes for many years. However, in 2017, Fulton County started charging the church property taxes. Due to an apparent mix-up, no one at the church was aware of the change, leading to a significant tax debt that was eventually sold to a third party, Investor Services.
Back Taxes and Legal Battle
The church was facing a debt of $67,000 in back taxes and interest. Pastor Jamal Williams of Solid Rock Christian Ministries had to gather extensive documentation, including the church’s 501c3 paperwork, bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation, to prove the church’s tax-exempt status. The church also had to address the way its title was recorded, which was listed under Johnson C. Carrie, the church’s first pastor who passed away in 1988. This discrepancy contributed to the county revoking the church’s tax exemption.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue
Pastor Williams personally delivered the necessary documents to the Fulton County Tax Assessor’s office in an effort to resolve the tax exemption issue. The church is now working with the county to correct the title recording and reinstate its tax-exempt status. In the meantime, Investor Services has agreed to hold off on the auction, allowing the church more time to sort out the tax issue.
Quick Claim Deed Complication
While working on resolving the tax matter, the church discovered an additional complication. Someone had filed a quick claim deed in an attempt to take over the property. This has added another layer of complexity to the church’s efforts to retain its property. The church is now dealing with this legal issue as well.
Scam Alert
Since the initial story aired, there have been reports of people soliciting donations online in the name of the church. Pastor Williams and the church have made it clear that they have not asked for any money and are not seeking donations. They warn that any such solicitations are scams and urge people to be cautious.
Future Uncertain
While the auction has been temporarily halted, the future of Solid Rock Christian Ministries remains uncertain. The church is hopeful that it can resolve the title and tax exemption issues and retain its property. Pastor Williams expressed gratitude for the temporary reprieve and emphasized the importance of getting their voice heard and the issues addressed.
Conclusion
The case of Solid Rock Christian Ministries highlights the challenges that can arise from administrative errors and changes in tax policies. It also underscores the importance of media investigations in bringing attention to such issues and helping affected parties find a resolution. As the church continues to navigate these challenges, its community remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
