Allen County officials say more than $900,000 in delinquent property taxes was recovered through the county’s most recent tax sale. County Counsel Bob Johnson told commissioners that the collection effort, which began about 18 months earlier, brought in roughly $580,000 from delinquent taxpayers before the auction even occurred. The auction itself generated an additional about $341,000, for a total just over $900,000.
Johnson said the county’s goal is to ensure taxes are paid without selling property. He noted that properties generally must be at least three years delinquent to be eligible, and that multiple notices are sent to owners during the process to give them opportunities to redeem before an auction offer. He also said the most recent sale drew a couple hundred people.
Johnson added that the sale still requires confirmation before deed work can be completed, which he expects will take about 30 days. Plans for the next tax sale will begin in January 2027, with another auction likely in 2028.
The recovered funds are distributed to the cities in the county, school districts, colleges, and other local government entities that receive taxes. In a related development during commissioners’ budget work, the “good news” from the tax collection helped cushion the county’s next challenge as preparations for the 2027 budget continue, including reductions submitted by the 911 director and sheriff that include a $10,000 cut to part-time wages reflected in the next draft. The Iola Register reported on the update.