Fifty Waynesboro properties to be sold at auction
For delinquent taxes
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

As many as 50 Waynesboro properties could get new owners.

Next Tuesday, Feb. 5, properties flagged for delinquent taxes will be auctioned off at the Burke County Court House beginning at 10 a.m.

At press time, approximately 50 houses and lots were scheduled for auction, according to city tax clerk Glenda Wimberly.

That could change, she said, if any of the property owners pay their tax bills in the meantime.

All of the properties have tabs dating back to at least 2005 and, in most cases, to both the city and county.

The auction will be conducted by Appalachian Mountain Services, a company that contracts with the city and county for de- linquent tax bill collection.

According to Burke County Tax Commissioner Cynthia McManus, the bidding will start with the amount that is owed - which can range from hundreds to thousands.

The highest bidders will have to wait 12 months, however, to see if they get the property.

During that year, the owner can still "redeem" his or her property by reimbursing the bidder for the entire bid price, plus 20 percent interest and the cost of legal fees.

If the owner fails to do so within that 12 months, the property goes to the bidder.

City officials say they have been inundated with calls about the delinquent properties and are expecting a large crowd at the auction.