The Treasurer’s Office recovered more than $131,000 through the sale, returning those dollars to support essential local services like public safety, schools, and township operations. (Photo provided)
Posted By: The Reporter October 22, 2025
Treasurer credited for helping residents avoid property loss
The 2025 Hamilton County Tax Sale, held Thursday, Sept. 25, brought in just over $131,000 in delinquent taxes and marked the smallest sale in recent history. Only 44 parcels were listed this year – down from the usual 80 or more – and just 23 were sold at auction.
Byer
Sadie Eldridge, Adjustments, Real Property, and Settlement Manager for Hamilton County, says the dramatic drop is thanks to the personal efforts of County Treasurer Susan Byer, who has made it her mission to help taxpayers before their properties ever reach the sale list.
“I’ve been with the county for 17 years, and this year’s tax sale was unlike any I’ve ever seen,” Eldridge said. “Susan goes above and beyond to reach people – she calls, emails, even knocks on doors if she has to. Her compassion and persistence have made a tremendous difference for Hamilton County residents.”
Byer, who was elected Treasurer in 2020, says she takes the work personally.
“I never want to take someone’s home,” Byer said. “When I can’t reach someone through the usual channels, I’ll go out and visit them. It’s especially important for our older residents who might not understand what’s happening with their property. We offer tax sale agreements to help people make monthly payments and get their taxes back on track.”
The Treasurer’s Office recovered more than $131,000 through the sale, returning those dollars to support essential local services like public safety, schools, and township operations.
“Our goal is always to help people stay in their homes and keep properties in good standing,” Byer added. “The fewer parcels we see at a tax sale, the better it is for everyone.”
Of the 44 parcels listed, more than half were nonresidential or “junk” parcels – such as small ditches, sidewalks, or leftover sections from old plats – leaving only a small number tied to individual homeowners.
