Properties to be sold for delinquent taxes

• County treasurer says she doesn't want to see anyone lose their property

A delinquent property tax sale for Lincoln County is set for 9 a.m.,  Aug. 4, by officials with the New Mexico Property Tax Division. 
Owners of 58 properties on the current sale list that have not paid the delinquent property tax, County Treasurer Beverly Calaway said.  All delinquent taxes must be paid in full to remove the item from the public auction, she said.
"It’s discouraging to have this many properties still on the list, within two weeks of the tax sale," Calaway said. "These property owners have had adequate time to pay the delinquent taxes, and in most cases, the property tax is three or more years past due. My office has sent out numerous letters to the owners,  I also try to contact them in person to let them know of the consequences of nonpayment, that the property will go to auction by the State of New Mexico."
State Property Tax Division officials start the process of title research, red tag the property, send certified letters and collection efforts, a full year before the date of the tax sale, she said. The state agency also will consider installment agreements for hardship cases, if needed.     
The state advertises the delinquent property taxes in the local newspaper and on line for persons interested in purchasing delinquent properties around the state.  At this time, the Lincoln County Sale List is available on the county website of lincolncountynm.gov, by clicking on the County Treasurer’s web page, or  the list may be purchased at the Treasurer’s Office for a fee of $5, Calaway said.  Maps also are also available for $5.
“My goal is to collect 100 percent of the delinquent property tax due on these properties and to be able to cancel the public auction," the treasurer said. "I certainly do not want to see anyone lose their property  or homes at a public auction for delinquent property taxes. Believe me, this keeps me awake at night."
The public auction of real property for delinquent property taxes  will be conducted in the commission chambers of the Lincoln County Courthouse and will continue until all described real property has been offered for sale.