Committee authorizes staff to prepare fall auction of tax-deeded properties (R26-051)

The Infrastructure Committee on July 22 approved a staff request to proceed with preparation for a public auction of tax-deeded properties in fall 2026 under resolution R26-051. Diane Mahon, treasurer and tax collector, told the committee the properties were acquired through the tax-seeding process and that former owners have statutory repurchase periods under New Hampshire RSA provisions referenced in her remarks.

Mahon cited New Hampshire statutes (RSA 8076 and 8077 and related citations in the RSA 80 series) and said properties remaining after the statutory repurchase period would be offered at public auction in accordance with state law and city procedures. She said the auction will be advertised to ensure a fair and competitive process, with proceeds distributed per RSA 80:88 and related provisions to recover delinquent taxes, interest, penalties and allowable costs; any remaining proceeds may be returned to prior owners through interpleader as allowed under state statute.

Aldermen asked about how mobile homes on auctioned lots would be handled and whether park ownership must approve a transfer; Mahon said mobile homes would be auctioned if the owner did not repurchase but that the mobile-home park operator retains the right to approve purchasers and an application process would be required. Members also queried why some records still showed former owners; Mahon said properties were just tax-deeded in May and title transfers may not yet have fully posted.

The committee voted by voice to authorize staff to proceed with auction preparations; members had no recorded amendments.