The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Carroll and Madison counties raised more than $290,000 the commissioner of state lands announced recently.

The regional auction drew 72 registered bidders, who purchased 118 of 135 parcels for $291,817.20. In Carroll County, 133 parcels were offered and 116 parcels were sold for a total of $288,717.20, with $83,796.24 in taxes collected Two parcels were offered in Madison County and both were sold for a total of $3,100.00, with $533.79 in taxes collected The land commissioner’s office is holding regional auctions to offer real estate parcels delinquent since 2018.

“Just a small portion of property certified to our office goes to auction,” Commissioner Tommy Land said. “The vast majority of owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes. Of course, we always prefer that property be redeemed if the owners want to keep it, but it is vital that the parcels return to the county’s active tax rolls.”

The COSL office forwards taxes and interest to the county, whether that money is collected through redemption or sale.

“Last year, this office sent more than $23 million to school districts and county governments,” Land said. “Of that, $487,470.76 went to these two counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools.”

Those turnback amounts were$439,451.43 to Carroll County and $48,019.33 to Madison County.

Auction sales are final.

Unsold parcels may be redeemed online at www. cosl.org, using a credit or debit card, or owners can call 501-324-9422 to request a Petition to Redeem. Redemption does not grant ownership; it simply makes the taxes current.

Parcels that did not sell at the public auction will be available after 30 days and can be purchased through an online auction by viewing the Post-Auction Sales List at www.cosl.org.