County Reports Nearly Complete Tax Sale; One Parcel Unsold After Buyer Default

County staff reported to the Jefferson County Council that the recent tax sale was largely successful, with every parcel except one selling and most parcels selling above the minimum bid. According to county staff, one winning bidder later declined to complete the purchase after inspecting the property and determining the structure was unsafe. The bidder paid the required 25% deposit (about $700), which the county retains when a buyer fails to complete the purchase. Staff said that because the parcel involves an unsafe-building issue, they will likely wait and, if necessary, include the property in a future commissioner sale rather than pursue immediate action. Staff noted many bidders are from out of town and sometimes do not visit parcels in person before bidding, relying on aerial views and online research. The council discussed that holding a commissioner sale for a single parcel may be impractical while the unsafe-building condition remains unresolved. No formal action was taken on the tax-sale parcel at the meeting; staff described next steps as monitoring the unsafe-building status and re-listing the parcel at a future sale if appropriate.