By Matt Youngfrau
LOCH SHELDRAKE — June 11, 2002 – Talk about a sellout.
Over a three-day span last week at Sullivan County Community College's Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, the Sullivan County Real Property Tax Auction brought in a total of $5,298,775. That turned out to be a $2,143,989.91 profit over the $3,154,785.09 owed in back taxes. In fact, by the middle of the day on Wednesday, all of the back taxes had been recouped.
County officials were obviously very pleased by the results.
"It was a big success," remarked Legislator and Real Property Committee Chair Jim Carnell Jr. "The auction seems to be getting better and better. There is a lot of interest in Sullivan County right now."
"It was the most successful auction to date," commented Sullivan County Treasurer Olga Parlow. "I believe every property was sold. I know every property received a bid. I'm very happy. It was a good auction. I don't know if we can top it in the future."
"It was the biggest and the best ever," Real Property Administration Director Robert Theadore stated. "What made it such a success was the teamwork between the Real Property Administration, the County Treasurer, [the] Audit [Dept.], the Legislature, the County Attorney, [the County] Manager, Financial Management, the auctioneers, the college, and everyone in government. Everybody worked hard and well together."
Exactly 583 parcels were sold over the three days, with 864 bidders. All bids must now be approved by the Sullivan County Legislature. The Real Property Advisory Board was set to review the bids yesterday.
Expectations are now very high for the next tax auction in October.