RELEASE:
Land Sale a Success for City of Hattiesburg
Jackson, Miss.—All 76 tax forfeited properties placed for public auction in the City of Hattiesburg received at least one bid into the Secretary of State’s office.
“This was a major success for both Hattiesburg and the State of Mississippi,” says Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. “With so many of these properties back in private ownership, more tax revenue will come back to the City of Hattiesburg and Forrest County. That means more money for our schools, our roads, and our infrastructure.”
The total amount offered for the winning bids was $81,882. Some of the properties had been off the tax rolls for over 20 years.
“We are proud of the outcome of this venture and it sets the tone for future land sales between the City of Hattiesburg and the Secretary of State’s Office,” says Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree. “There are still over 300 state-owned properties that are maintained by the City of Hattiesburg and any assistance we can give to relieve the burden from the Hattiesburg taxpayer is welcomed.”
“In the past, these properties have laid dormant with no revenue. We are so thankful to Secretary Hosemann and his staff for getting these properties back on the tax rolls and making a positive economic impact on the community,” David Hogan, President, Forrest County Board of Supervisors.
The Hattiesburg auction lasted from March 18-April 8, 2015. The public bid opening was held April 9th. The highest bidders will be notified via mail.
Currently, the Secretary of State’s Office holds over $75-Million worth of property forfeited to the State for non-payment of ad valorem taxes.
To learn more on obtaining tax forfeited properties, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at: http://www.sos.ms.gov/Applications/Pages/Tax-Forfeited-Lands.aspx.
4/14/15
