Newton County approves resolution to offer delinquent-tax properties for public sale

Newton County commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the public sale of properties the county acquired at delinquent tax sale, while agreeing to hold one parcel for further review because of title or access concerns.

Staff described two primary parcels under consideration: a cluster of lots in the Indian Lakes subdivision that originally belonged to multiple members of the same family, and a separate one-acre parcel in the Shepherdsburg survey that appears to be landlocked and may never have held a valid address. Staff said the Indian Lakes parcels had been previously listed with a low starting price; the Shepherdsburg parcel raises access questions and may require additional legal review.

A commissioner moved to approve the resolution to authorize public sale of the properties and asked whether the properties should be specifically named in the motion; the court approved the motion by voice vote and also agreed to table the second parcel for further consideration or to discuss it in closed session if necessary.

Commissioners and staff discussed that multiple governmental entities may hold interests in some of the parcels and that the resolution facilitates advertisement and bidding while preserving the opportunity to review complicated titles before final conveyance.

The court’s action authorizes the county to proceed with public sale mechanics; staff said additional steps, including possible closed-session discussion and follow-up approvals, may be required before property transfer is completed.