Last modified: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:36 AM EDT Attleboro holding land auction BY GEORGE W. RHODES SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Some city-owned land will be up for sale next month in hopes of cutting into a $1.3 million deficit expected for the budget year starting July 1. Eight parcels, acquired through tax foreclosures and ranging in size from 1,000 square feet to more than 15,000 square feet, will go on the auction block May 28. Combined assessed value of the lots is about $280,000. City Treasurer Ethel Sandbach, who has run a number of similar sales in the past, said financial problems facing the city next year pushed her to hold another sale in hopes of blunting impact of the deficit. "The main reason we're doing this is to help the city with some cash flow," she said. "Every little bit helps." One-time city expenses It's not certain how much the auction will raise, but the money would be available by September in the city's free cash account. Free cash, or surplus cash, from a prior year is usually certified by the state in September. The money would most likely be used for one-time city expenses, Sandbach said. Committee member and city assessor Stan Nacewicz said the parcels are the best the city owns and have value for builders or abutters. "We're putting properties out there that have value," he said. "We're not putting junk out there." The parcels are located on Tyson Place, Summit Street, Evergreen Road, Oakland Avenue, Martin Street, Baker Street and Powers Lane. Anyone interested in bidding on the parcels can get a packet of information from the treasurer's office starting on May 13. The packet, which costs $10, will describe all the parcels available and auction procedures. Minimum deposit on successful bids will be the lesser of $10,000 or 25 percent of the bid amount. It must be paid in cash, money order or bank check on the night of the auction. The successful bidder has 30 days to close on the deal. The auction is slated for May 28 at 7 p.m. in city council chambers. For more information call the treasurer's office at city hall, 508-223-2222.