Isanti County approves listing of tax‑forfeited parcels for online auction; low starting bids set to encourage sales

The Isanti County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 4 to classify a set of tax‑forfeited properties as non‑conservation and to post them for sale through the Minnesota Department of Administration surplus auction (minbid.min.gov) running Dec. 15–Jan. 14.

County staff, led by Angie Larson, presented nine parcel groupings that forfeited between 2016 and 2023 and recommended starting bids that are often lower than prior appraised values to encourage purchase and return of properties to the tax rolls. Parcel types included tiny lake‑shore lots, a three‑acre Cambridge parcel (recommended starting bid $25,000), an 80‑acre Dalbo parcel (recommended starting bid $200,000), small platted lots in High Point Estates (combined starting bid $1,000), and a former Cambridge Launders & Cleaners property. That former dry‑cleaning property carries potential hazardous‑materials obligations; staff said buyers will be supplied with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency documentation and must address MPCA requirements before redevelopment.

Larson said the county’s goal in setting modest starting prices is to remove liabilities from the tax‑forfeit inventory and put properties back on the tax rolls. Sale terms will be posted online; properties are sold 'as is' and buyers are responsible for their own due diligence. The board adopted a resolution approving the sale listing, the starting bids, the sale dates and the sale terms by unanimous voice vote.

The county will notify adjoining owners, publish required notices in the county paper, and provide links and documentation (including MPCA links where relevant) for bidders to review. Staff said the county intends to use a 30‑day auction period to give prospective buyers time to research lots before bidding.