City of Milwaukee v. List of Tax Liens for 2003 #2

1. Jerome Thornton appeals pro se from a judgment of foreclosure. In September of 2003, the City of Milwaukee filed a petition for judgment to foreclose a tax lien on Thorntons property. See Wis. Stat. § 75.521(3)4. (commencement of proceeding to foreclose tax lien by petition for judgment). The trial court held a hearing on January 12, 2004. Thornton appeared pro se, and claimed that he had paid his taxes. He could not, however, show that he had followed the statutory requirements for filing an answer to the States petition. See § 75.521(7) (right to answer petition). The trial court adjourned the hearing for two weeks, and ordered Thornton to bring the required proof. When the hearing resumed, Thornton was still unable to show that he had filed an answer pursuant to the statute, or that he had paid his taxes as he claimed. The trial court thus granted the City a judgment of foreclosure, and vested title to Thorntons property in the City.