Some $100,000 in property tax collections remains outstanding, which means 170 parcels of property could be up for grabs at a May 1 delinquent property tax sale.

Diane Thompkins, chief clerk at the county revenue commission, said the figure is much higher compared to previous years at this time.

“A lot of these parcels owe small amounts of taxes,” Thompkins said. “That’s the base amount. That doesn’t include penalties and late fees.”

Tax officials in other counties are required by law to run a list of delinquent property owners in a newspaper before public auction. That list ran multiple times in April in The Star-News. The public sale is mandated by state law and will be held on May 1 at 10 a.m.

The list outlines pieces of property throughout the county where owners have not paid their ad valorem taxes, or property taxes.

Last year this time, there was $49,721 remaining to be collected.

The office goes to great lengths to contact owners before the list is published. Thompkins said property owners were sent two certified letters about the outstanding balance – one in March and another at the beginning of April.

“They have until 10 a.m. the morning of May 1 to pay those taxes,” Thompkins said.

Those who do not pay will see their property sold on the courthouse steps.

On the day of sale, Thompkins said they will auction off the properties starting with the amount of taxes and interest due and they increase in increments of $20.

“The person gets a certificate of sale,” she said. “Those that have an interest in the property have three years to pay the taxes on it. After that, the person who bought it can get a tax deed from the probate office.”

Thompkins said on the day of the sale, only cash, money orders or certified checks are accepted for payment. Those wishing to participate in the sale should gather at the revenue commissioner’s office.