Candia officials propose public auction for $3.7M in unused town properties

During the recent Board of Selectmen meeting in Candia, New Hampshire, held on March 24, 2025, significant discussions centered around the management of town-owned properties and the potential for public auctions to sell unused real estate. The meeting highlighted the town's substantial holdings, valued at approximately $15 million, which include both real and personal property.

A key focus was the identification of properties that are not currently serving any municipal purpose. The board reviewed a memo detailing that out of the total valuation, around $3.7 million worth of assets are not generating tax revenue for the town. This situation arises from properties acquired through tax deeds, where previous owners failed to pay their taxes, leading to town foreclosure.

The board discussed the potential sale of these underutilized properties, with a specific emphasis on a 30-acre parcel on High Street, which has been deemed unnecessary for municipal use. The proposal aims to initiate a public auction process to sell these properties, thereby generating revenue for the town and alleviating the burden of maintaining unused land.

To facilitate this process, the board considered engaging a New Hampshire-based company specializing in tax deed property auctions. This company would handle the logistics of the auction, including legal research, mapping, and notifying adjacent property owners, with no upfront costs to the town. Instead, the auction bidders would cover the associated fees, ensuring that the town could benefit financially from the sales.

The discussions reflect a proactive approach by the Board of Selectmen to optimize town resources and enhance fiscal responsibility. By moving forward with the auction of these properties, Candia aims to not only improve its financial standing but also to repurpose land that could be valuable to potential buyers. The board's next steps will involve confirming the properties to be auctioned and coordinating with the auction company to set the process in motion.