A first in four years, there will be a delinquent property tax sale this Saturday at the Warren County Courthouse beginning at 10 a.m.
Property owners who fail to pay past due taxes today could risk losing their property tomorrow. The courthouse closes at 5 p.m. on Fridays.
There were 64 properties remaining on the list yesterday.
“We did have 116 parcels set to be auctioned off,” said Clerk and Master Myra Mara. “We have had quite a few paid, but 64 remain.”
Properties making the list are those that are two or more years behind on property taxes and have failed to make payments, despite the county’s attempts to collect.
Properties bought at the delinquent tax sale are not finalized for approximately one year after the sale. The owner will be given that grace period to regain their property.
“The property owner will have a year from the date the sale is confirmed by the court to pay their taxes, plus 10 percent interest,” said Mara. “If that happens, those purchasing the property during the sale will be given a full refund, plus interest.”
Given the curiosity shown for purchasing the properties, Saturday will be a busy day. Mara says the phone has not stopped ringing since the possibility of a sale was announced a month ago.
“We have received quite a few phone calls about this,” said Mara. “There is a lot of interest in purchasing the properties.”
The auction will take place in the circuit courtroom. Buyers must make payment in full the day of the sale. For more information, stop by the clerk and master’s office at the courthouse.