HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents about the county's tax foreclosure process ahead of Thursday's property tax sale.
The auction is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, and will feature properties with delinquent taxes that have been approved for sale through the court system.
Under Kansas law, Reno County may begin foreclosure proceedings when property taxes remain unpaid for five years.
According to the Sheriff's Office, property owners are served with court documents whenever possible and given an opportunity to pay their outstanding taxes before their property is sold. Many owners settle their tax debts during the process, allowing them to keep their property.
If the taxes remain unpaid and a court authorizes the sale, the Sheriff's Office conducts a public auction.
Deputies have visited each property scheduled for auction, either speaking with residents or property owners or posting the required court paperwork.
The Sheriff's Office also clarified how money collected from the auction is distributed, particularly when a property sells for more than the amount owed in taxes.
Proceeds are first used to pay delinquent taxes, interest, penalties and court-approved costs associated with the foreclosure.
Any remaining money, known as an overage, may be claimed by the former property owner or another party legally entitled to the funds, as determined by the court.
Eligible individuals are notified by mail about available funds and the process for claiming them. Money that remains unclaimed is eventually transferred to the state of Kansas as unclaimed property.
The county emphasized that it does not automatically keep money collected beyond the amount owed.
The list of properties scheduled for auction is available through White Oak Homes and the Reno County website.
The Sheriff's Office said the list could change because property owners had until Wednesday, Oct. 28, to redeem their properties.
Prospective buyers are encouraged to review the bidder instructions before participating.
For questions or additional information following the sale, residents may contact John Settle or Jubilee Critchfield at 620-694-2926.