The Mathews County Treasurer’s Office conducted a public auction of tax delinquent properties last month, bringing in a total of $30,000 from the sale of four properties to the highest bidders.

According to a press release from Mathews County Treasurer Wendy Stewart, each of the properties had at least three years of overdue real property taxes. In many cases, she said, the recorded owners of the properties were deceased, and there was no consensus among heirs to pay the taxes and redeem the properties. Also, she said that the sale of the properties requires further approval and confirmation by the Circuit Court before deeds can be issued and recorded.

The highest price paid for a parcel was $11,050 for a 3.89 acre parcel on Salem Church Road, said Stewart. It was assessed for tax purposes at $7,800.

The total outstanding amount of taxes and costs due on all four parcels sold was $9,983, said Stewart. The excess funds, after paying the taxes, fees, and costs of sale, will be ...