Photo Provided Eager bidders fill the stairs at the Monroe County Courthouse in Woodsfield on April 25, waiting for the start of the county’s Delinquent Land Tax Sale.

WOODSFIELD — Monroe County’s recent Delinquent Land Tax Sale resulted in a record-breaking $937,416.07 in total sales for 31 foreclosed parcels, marking one of the largest tax foreclosure sales in county history.

According to information provided by Monroe County Treasurer Taylor Abbott, more than 100 interested bidders gathered on the third floor of the Monroe County Courthouse in Woodsfield on April 25 for the public auction, which had to be relocated from its usual location to accommodate the large crowd.

The auction was the culmination of more than two years of preparation, Abbott noted. Under Ohio law, tax foreclosure sales require counties to follow a rigorous legal process laid out in the Ohio Revised Code. The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office must conduct extensive due diligence before initiating foreclosure cases on delinquent properties, including providing legal notices, identifying all parties with interest in the parcels and obtaining court orders authorizing the sale.

Monroe County Sheriff Derek Norman led the auction with the assistance of his staff, in coordination with Monroe County Prosecutor James Peters, Clerk of Courts Beth Ann Rose and their respective staffs.

“This sale reflects a collective team effort across county offices to get these properties back into productive use,” Abbott said. “I’m happy to see that these parcels will return to the hands of responsible tax-paying owners who will take care of them and contribute to our local tax base.”

Of the $937,416.07 raised through the sale, Monroe County was owed approximately $76,500 in back taxes, penalties and court fees. Under Ohio law, the county retains the portion necessary to cover those debts. Any remaining proceeds are held in trust for the previous property owners. If no rightful claims are made within three years of the sale, the surplus, in this case potentially over $850,000, reverts to the county.

“It’s important that we stand with the taxpayers who meet their obligations by holding those who don’t accountable,” Abbott said. “Monroe County continues to maintain one of the lowest delinquency rates in the state because we take a proactive, fair approach. We offer payment plans and support for those who fall on hard times, there’s no reason for anyone to fall too far behind when we have options to help them stay current.”

Abbott extended his thanks to Peters, Norman, Ann Rose and the staff from each office, including his own, for their efforts in bringing the successful sale to fruition.