Treasurer Mello reports record success in 2025 tax deed auction in Mohave County

In a recent meeting of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, Treasurer Mello presented impressive results from the 2025 tax deed auction, highlighting a record-breaking sale of 824 out of 829 parcels, achieving a remarkable 99.4% success rate. This auction generated $2.4 million, with $1.65 million allocated to the county's general fund. The average winning bid reached nearly $2,900, marking the highest average price per parcel in the county's history. The increase in bidders, up by 35% this year, was attributed to outreach efforts to tax lien holders, which successfully raised awareness about the auction.

Mello emphasized the collaborative effort required for the auction, involving multiple departments including the Clerk of the Board, Recorder's Office, and Assessor's Office. The swift completion of the auction by April 17 allowed these parcels to return to the tax roll, which is expected to enhance future property tax collections. To date, the county has collected approximately $751,000 from these properties, with hopes to surpass the million-dollar mark soon.

Following the tax auction discussion, the board moved on to the consent agenda, approving items while addressing specific requests for removal. The meeting also included a presentation from the Parks Department, which reported on the financial performance of Mohave County parks. Director Letovsky highlighted the success of Davis Camp and Walpigh Mountain Park, noting that revenues have significantly increased over the years, particularly during the pandemic when visitor numbers surged.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing its financial health through strategic initiatives, such as the successful tax deed auction and the robust performance of its parks, which are funded entirely by user fees. These efforts not only bolster county revenues but also improve community resources and services for residents.