The Village at Columbia, a 42-lot residential subdivision south of Tyrrell Elementary School, is in tax foreclosure proceedings, town manager Rhett White told the Columbia Board of Aldermen July 2.

No one bid to purchase the property at the courthouse-door sale in late June, meaning the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County are to take possession to recoup approximately $27,000 in delinquent property taxes due the two local governments.

But an upset bid was entered July 2, White said, and the unnamed bidder talked with White about plans to sell two model units, constructed nearly a decade ago. This would require activation of water, sewer, natural gas, and telephone services already in the ground at the tract.

Paving an 800-foot street from Elementary School Road to the subdivision is also a necessity.

And, White reminded, the original developer promised in 2008 to pay $100,000 as an annexation offer to aid the town in reducing inflow and filtration problems with its sewage collection network. Then the Great Recession hit, destroying the local housing market. No lots were sold, and the money has not been paid to the town.

White said his report was for information only; the town must await the outcome of the foreclosure bidding process.