Holt County tax sale draws 24 bidders

Holt County’s coffers have an extra jingle following the March 4 tax sale, held at the courthouse annex in O’Neill.

County supervisors learned the results at the board's March 18 meeting.

“We actually had a lot less on the sale then we typically do,” said Shelly Ross, county treasurer. “I don’t know if that’s because of the names being in the paper, that people came in.”

A new state statue requires property owners’ names to be included in the delinquent tax list, which is printed in the county’s legal newspaper.

“We sold all but $6,000,” Ross said.

After payments were received, the sale collected $91.805.58. Ross said the amount isn’t as high as normal.

At the sale, 41 private tax sales were issued and 24 companies or individuals were represented. According to Ross, one individual visited the treasurer’s after the tax sale to pay for an additional property.

Chairman Bill Tielke said another new element of the tax sale included giving notice to the property owner.

Personal service of the sale is now required.

“That’s not certified mail, it’s through the sheriff’s office,” Ross said.

Holt County Sheriff’s Office has a base deposit of $30, which includes mileage. According to department personnel, if several property owners need to be served, the base deposit may be as high as $50.

“The person who serves the notice is allowed to charge the property owner, when they come in to redeem it, $100 (minimum), even if he paid $55,” Ross said. “If you were charged $250, you’ll get $250.”

Service from the sheriff’s office is now part of a checklist when it’s time to foreclose on property.

“You have to hold that tax sale certificate for three years. Then you can start your foreclosure,” Ross said.

The county treasurer said 98 to 99% of property owners who have land on the delinquent tax list come in and pay it.

“The question is, do I pay that $100 right away and have it personally served or do I wait until foreclosure three years down the road,” Ross said.

“Most don’t make foreclosure,” said supervisor Dustin Breiner. He asked if a sale could potentially be held up if a property owner is unable to be served.

Ross said that has happened.

“They could be deceased or they could just not answer the door because there is a sheriff standing there,” she said.

Most years, approximately 40 companies or individuals attend the sale. According to Ross, one large investor, did not attend due to the change in state law.

“We think they’re going to look at the tax list now to see if they want to buy anything,” Ross said.