Committee forwards list of 159 tax‑defaulted parcels for auction, removes one property for another year

The Budget and Finance Committee on Feb. 14 voted to forward to the Board of Supervisors a resolution authorizing the tax collector to sell 159 tax‑defaulted parcels at public auction, after the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s staff described outreach and protections for potentially occupied properties.

Amanda Fried, chief of policy and communications for the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office, said parcels become eligible for auction after owners fail to pay taxes for five years and must be offered for auction when they remain delinquent for nine years under state law. Of the 159 parcels, Fried said seven have structures or are buildable, 18 are timeshares and most are unbuildable sliver or underwater lots. The office reviewed physical characteristics and ownership history for each parcel, sent regular mailed notices and — for parcels with no known contact information — mailed to contiguous parcels and did extra outreach where occupancy was possible. For occupied parcels, sheriff’s deputies have performed in‑person visits and the office coordinated with Adult Protective Services, MOHCD and other services.

Chair Chan supported a request from Supervisor Ronan to remove 3548–3550 Twentieth Street (a property previously removed last year) from the auction list for one more year while the owner pursues payment; the committee approved the amended parcel list and forwarded it to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

The Treasurer’s Office said the auction will be conducted online beginning April 22 and the final published list will appear after Board approval.