St. Joseph County tax sale collects more than $2 million

SOUTH BEND — Close to 40 percent of the properties offered in the commissioners’ tax sale sold Monday, netting the St. Joseph County more than $2 million. According to county Treasurer Sean Coleman, the county received winning bids on 1,136 of nearly 2,750 properties, with bid amounts totaling $2,002,467.71. “I think we’re all very pleased with the number of bidders and the amount offered,” Coleman said Tuesday, explaining tax sales typically attract few buyers. “I’m elated,” county Commissioner Dave Thomas said. “... Not only do we have that money coming in, but these properties are back on the tax roles.” Coleman credited a combination of factors for the success of the sale, including the county’s decision to offer the properties at deep discounts – as low as $25 in some cases. Those prices attracted bidders from as far away as California, Colorado, and New York, he said, but mostly from St. Joseph and surrounding counties. Now that the sale is finished, property owners have 120 days in which to redeem their properties, Coleman said. They may do so by paying all assessed taxes, penalties and fees as well as any additional costs accrued by the winning bidder. After 120 days, he said, winning bidders can apply for a tax deed, which transfers ownership of the property. As for the unsold properties, “there is some question as to what will happen next,” said Coleman, adding a second commissioners’ sale is not out of the question. Staff writer Erin Blasko: eblasko@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6187