I have not had this happen but I can offer a couple things. First I am not sure where your boxes are. Hopefully not out on the front lawn or side of the house.

The most the city will come, assess the situation and listen to your side of the story. Certainly with all that has been going on, there has to be a certain amount of compassion. Most there would be is a warning or something and you need to understand what is "acceptable" and I am sure they would give you a timeline for results. Don't let your brain run away with scenarios that are not going to happen. Again I can only comment to what you are telling us here but I can't see why they would take your mother anywhere.

I do have a hoarder who lives by me and a neighbor called because their yard was always such a mess. They came, looked around, sent a letter to them. Things were picked up some, but they are still there. Believe me, inside their garage and house were boxes and stuff. Still is.

Take some deep breaths, stay in the moment and don't get too far ahead of yourself.

My guess is that person at the tax office was trying to scare you. County people IMO try to bully ppl, but most of the time are harmless and just blow a lot of hot air.
My ex lives in a very strict county. His house is a disaster and so is his neighbor. My friend lives next door to them and has called the county on them.....that was a year ago and nothing has changed......county officials ignored her call.
I also called the county (same one) on my neighbors as their septic tank kept overflowing (20+ ppl live in this 100 year old house with an old septic system) which smells horrible and is spilling over into my property. The county came an investigated and the neighbor dumped a load of mulch on top of it....so I called the county back and told them about the mulch and they told me that was illegal and they would take care of it right away.....that was 3 years ago and nothing was done.
This is a very high class area where the county will ticket/fine someone for leaving their Christmas lights up too long....they usually have to be taken down by mid January.

Just do the best you can to either move the boxes out of sight (say a few boxes a week). I know it's a daunting thing with all you are going through, but perhaps a friend or other family member could come and help you out? IDK.....just a thought.

I would do what it takes to make it look good - sometimes, just moving the boxes around, makes it easier to see what you can do to arrange them better.

It seems when people complain, the investigators come out, take pictures, and as long as it looks like you are making progress, usually they leave you alone.

Where you want the problem resolved, take pictures, show them around to the different agencies and ask for help.

If your fear is keeping you locked in this point, focus on one box, take care of it, and do what it takes to keep moving.

Best wishes. You are not alone in this.

You don't need what's in the boxes: that's clear because they haven't been opened in 5 yrs.

So all you need to do is open them and sell the stuff. That way you get money and you get rid of the boxes. :)

We do sell stuff constantly, or donate if they don't sell. Our house on the front lawn and backyard is completely clear. It doesn't block anywhere you need to get out of inside. Our house doesn't smell, we vacuum. Thank you for the advice everywhere. I am talking to a Social Service person tomorrow and taking it from there. I just don't want anything bad to happen.