In Personam Actions for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and Other Charges.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 304-48
in effect304-48. In Personam Actions for Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and Other Charges.
In accordance with s. 74.53(5), Wis. Stats., the common council waives the duty to specifically approve each in personam action that the city may bring under s. 74.53, Wis. Stats., and waives its duty to send notice to each person against whom such actions may be commenced.
1. PURPOSE. As authorized under s. 74.53, Wis. Stats., this section allows the city to bring in personam actions (actions against the person, not the property) for delinquent real estate taxes, special charges, special assessments and special taxes.
2. DECISION TO BRING ACTION. The city attorney shall review the city treasurer’s records regarding delinquencies and determine in his or her discretion whether to commence an in personam action against the parcel owner.
3. LETTER OF NOTICE. The city attorney shall report to the treasurer those parcels where the city attorney in his or her discretion deems that an in personam action is advisable. The city attorney (or his or her collection agent) shall send written notice to the owner or owners of parcels selected as defendants that a decision has been made to commence an in personam action against him or her. The notice shall indicate that if full payment of the amounts recoverable under s. 74.53, Wis. Stats., including interest and penalties is received within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, the action will not be commenced. The notice shall be mailed to the owner at his or her last known address. An affidavit of the city attorney (or his or her collection agent) setting forth the names of the owners for whom an address has been ascertained, giving the addresses and stating that notice was mailed, giving the date of mailing, and stating that no present address was ascertainable for the other owners, shall constitute full compliance with this subsection.
4. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION. If the owner fails to make full and timely payment as requested in the notice, the city may commence the in personam action.
5. RECEIVER. Upon commencement of any in personam action, the city may request that a receiver be appointed in accordance with s. 74.53(7), Wis. Stats.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-3/CH304.pdf#page=20Fetched: 10/26/2026