Sunrise Financial raises many troubling problems

Sunrise Financial, a mysterious company apparently based in Great Falls, is buying property, most of them homes, at taxes sales and then holding onto them to let them rot.

The reason for this is uncertain. Many experts can't see that there is profit to be made from the surreptitious business dealings of this rather unusual firm.

The effect of all of this is crystal clear.

Neighborhoods in Havre and probably throughout much of Montana are falling into disrepair and have lost much of their value because these eyesores are being created, some perpetuated because they were bad when purchased. The community we love is being tarnished by dilapidated buildings that could be put to good use if the owners only gave a lick about the community they live in. But it appears that in most cases, the owners rarely gaze up on the houses they buy at tax sales.

From all indications, this kind of skulduggery is going to continue, and it's easy to feel sorry for municipal officials who have to deal with the growing blight that tarnishes the civic pride, the reputation and the property values of the neighbors affected by all of this.

In old days, slumlords had some kind of peer pressure from the community they lived in. Many complied with the wishes of neighbors. Sunrise and many like-minded groups don't care in the least what Havre residents think. They obviously don't care about the deteriorating neighborhoods.

Given the paucity of options public officials have in coping with the problem, the outlook looks glum.

From all appearances, Sunrise Financial and other such operations have most, or all, of the cards in their hands.

Laws and codes give the neighborhoods little reason for optimism. The city can mow the weeds on the front lawn if they grow too high. It can then tack the cost on the property owner's taxes.

But, other than making sure the building is boarded up, there is not much within the city's ability.

The county can evict people if the building is unsafe and does not have sanitary facilities. Most of the Sunrise properties in Hill County have no tenants.

The city can condemn the house using eminent domain. Usually people feel sorry for those whose properties are seized for Sunrise Financial. But we feel for city officials who have to tell taxpayers that the only way they know to stop Sunrise Financial is to pay them. And sorrier for them having to tell people taxes will have to go up.

There are probably few things the city and county can do, but we hope they will avail themselves of every option.

Whatever Sunrise is up to, we can be sure it's not in Havre's best interest. A whole lot is at stake here.