Earlier this year, bids were opened up for two barns in Grimes County, formerly owned by the Road and Bridge Department.
One was the barn out in Stoneham, which Engineer Harry Walker says was sold, and has been transferred to it’s new owner. The Piedmont barn, however, was not so lucky.
“Did not receive any bids, but we did have several people who came up, and expressed interest after the auction. We would like to go ahead, and try again to auction it off…we talked with Commissioner Barbara Walker…she felt like the bid process was still the best way to go,” said Walker.
Now, it does have a reserve amount, set at $50,000. But, this action taken at court would open up the bidding once again on that property.
County Judge Joe Fauth asked abut tagging it along with the tax sale, which usually takes place on the county courthouse steps. Walker said they did try that initially.
“It did create additional interest…but it also created confusion, because if they got there for the tax sale, they were not there for our sale, as it was a half hour earlier…some of the people interested were confused abut what was going on, and did not get there in time to bid,” said Walker.
In the end, Walker and the court agreed to try one more time to attach it alongside the normal tax sale. If you are interested, or have questions about the property, contact the county.