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Jackson, Miss.—Bidding opened today in the Secretary of State’s online auction of three hundred and seventy-nine (379) tax-forfeited properties in Jackson valued at an estimated $7.4 Million. The parcels include the Southport Mall Shopping Center, located at Highway 80 and Ellis Avenue, which boasts a market value of $1.46 Million.
In addition, an auction of one hundred (100) parcels in Waveland valued at an estimated $800,000 opened today.
These auctions mark the second time tax-forfeited property has been sold online by the Secretary of State’s Office. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann launched online auctions in July 2016 with parcels in Pearl River County.
“We still engage in traditional bidding, but our online platform makes it easier for those interested to acquire properties and allows our staff to operate more efficiently,” Secretary Hosemann said. “The real winners are the taxpayers. Placing parcels back on the tax rolls results in raising critical funds for education and infrastructure.”
State Senator David Blount, who authored the legislation allowing online auctions, agreed.
“We are committed to using every possible means to get abandoned property in Jackson and other Mississippi cities back into productive use,” said Senator Blount, Chairman of the Senate Public Property Committee. “An online auction is another way to get properties back on the tax rolls to revitalize our communities and support our public schools. We especially want to get the word out to encourage local ownership.”
Bids may be submitted online on the Secretary of State’s online auction portal until Wednesday, September 28, 2016, by 5 p.m. CST. Sealed paper bids are also accepted if mailed or returned to 125 S. Congress Street, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, by 5 p.m. CST on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. Paper bids returned after the closing date will be rejected.
To place a bid, a user is required to register online. Users may view property details such as parcel location, pictures, and an auction map. Other information, such as auction dates, bid notices, and market values of property are also available online. Successful bidders will be notified by e-mail as soon as possible after the auction closes, and payment of the bid amount must be paid within fifteen (15) days of notification.
The Secretary of State’s Office currently holds approximately 7,685 parcels, forfeited to the State for non-payment of ad valorem taxes, valued at more than $55.4 Million. In recent years, successful auctions in Bay St. Louis, Greenville, Greenwood, Jackson, McComb, Meridian, Pearl River County, and Yazoo City have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Mississippi schools and municipalities.
To learn more about tax-forfeited properties, visit the Secretary of State’s website or call the Public Lands Division at (601)-359-5156.
