Tax collector going online with auction

• Published in: Knight Ridder Tribune Business News p. 1
• Main Author: Haberlin, Steven Ray
• Format: Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Tribune Content Agency LLC 16.05.2005
• Subjects: Albright, George; Auctions; Bids; Delinquency; Interest rates; Loftis, Larry; State court decisions; Tax collections; Tax liens; Taxes

May 16--OCALA -- The local taxman is hoping the World Wide Web will help his cause. Following a growing trend, the Marion County Tax Collector's Office will host its first online tax certificate sale on June 1. Tax office officials believe that by conducting the auction on the Internet they will sell more certificates and, hence, collect more unpaid taxes. [George Albright] said he hired Pittsburg-based Grant Street Group, the same company that worked with the four pioneering counties last year, to assist with setting up the online auction. He noted that the costs of the auction would be offset by a $15 purchasing charge for each certificate. Bidding for the auction began last week, but the bids won't actually be live until June 1, said John Carroll, information technology director for the Tax Collector's Office. Those interested in taking part in the auction must register online at www.bidmarion.com.