But it will proceed with four fewer properties than originally planned.
Council general manager John Scarce reported to last week’s council meeting that rates owing on four properties have now been paid.
It has seen council recover almost $60,000 of more than $380,000 owing at the time the auction proposal went to council in February.
It leaves 19 properties with rates still owing across the council’s three communities - Coleambally, Darlington Point and Jerilderie.
In the February report, council said some of the rates payments have been outstanding for more than five years.
Five of the original 23 owed more than $30,000, and three exceeded $20,000.
After the recent account settlements, two exceeding $20,000 have now been paid.
The other two properties settled owed less than $10,000 each.
In its February meeting, council said unless the rates are paid before June, all 23 properties would go to auction to recover the outstanding amounts.
Sale proceeds after rates are recovered will be returned to the property owner.
Mr Scarce said those still with rates outstanding now have a little more time to arrange payment, with council forced to delay the auction.
“We had a flurry of requests from ratepayers and the community about the auction, which led to four arrears being removed,” Mr Scarce said in a report to last week’s meeting.
“Either they were paid in full or substantially paid with a payment plan.
“While focused on this, I missed the cut off date for advertising, which means we would miss the auction date.”
Mr Scarce said the auctions would now take place from 11am on September 16, at council’s Jerilderie offices.
Elders Deniliquin has been commissioned to run the auction.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said although this is a difficult decision, it is one council must make because “unpaid rates and charges are a heavy burden on both the Council and all ratepayers”.
She emphasised the importance of ensuring all property owners contribute their fair share to the community.
"We strongly encourage anyone affected to settle their outstanding balances before the auction date, to avoid the sale of their property,“ she said.
The auction will be widely advertised through local newspapers, the online Local Government Gazette, council’s website, council’s digital communication channels and community social media pages.
Registered letters will also be sent to anyone who might have an interest in the properties, and notices will be placed at the properties themselves.
The list of properties to be sold will be released closer to the auction date.
For more details about the auctions, or specific properties, contact Murrumbidgee Council on 1300 676 243 or visit www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au.
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