Southview trailer park sold in county auction
BY MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - Steuben County recouped more than 400,000 owed in back taxes and then some at its annual real property auction last week.

The 56 properties on the auction block included the Southview Manor mobile home park in the town of Bath owned by alleged multiple-child abuser Richard Lindsay. The park, assessed at $132,800 with a full market value estimated at $245,926, was the scene of a fatal fire five years ago, during which a baby died.

The auction raised a total of $769,260, with $691,300 marked for county coffers and the remainder paying the auctioneer and various fees, according to county Treasurer Carol Whitehead.

The county forecloses on parcels if property taxes are in arrears for two years, or the property owner defaults on an installment payment contract previously set up with the county.

Whitehead said she expects most of the winners will honor their bids.

"They have to put 30 percent down and we keep it, even if they don't pay the rest," she said. "And they're barred from ever bidding again. So, most of the people pay up."

Southview Manor was purchased by Paul Jayne of Dundee for $96,000.

A farmer, Jayne said later he intends to clean up the park and put in better mobile homes.

"I just want it to be a clean, decent place," he said.

Jayne was one of nearly 200 potential bidders crowding the Haverling High School Auditorium in search of a deal out of the 56 properties on the block.

The auction was run by Pirrung Auctioneers Inc., with Tom Wamp and Jim Pirrung eyeing the crowds during Randy Moyer's rapid fire auction patter.

"I have 300, 300, anybody give me 4?" Moyers called out for one property. "C'mon people, sure it's small, but you can tell people you own lake property."

Bidders raised numbered cards to flag auctioneers' attention and studied the auction book.

While most bidders sat in the auditorium waiting for lots to be announced, other buyers paced the hall, holding briefcases, talking on the cell phones and racing in to keep an eye on the proceedings.

Chuck Cagle, of Avoca, was on hand to bid on properties for his employer. Cagle declined to name his firm, but said bids seemed higher this year.

Deals may have appeared sweeter due to recent reports of natural gas below the county, he said.

Cagle attends auctions in 14 counties.

Typically, Steuben property values are lower than other counties, he said.

"The average house here say, is $40,000," he said. "Over in Seneca, same house goes for $60,000."

On the other hand, seasoned bidders knew when to fold if they felt the bidding reached unreasonable levels.

Jeffrey Horton, of Campbell, was prepared to bid nearly $20,000 for a lot in his home area. But the winning bid of $40,000 was far too high, he said.

Horton, a rehabilitation specialist with United Health Specialists, has attended the auctions for years to pick up income properties.

"I'm just looking for a deal," he said.

Another man warned bidders should know what the deal is before they make it.

He attends the auction every year to bid $500 on a piece of landlocked property next to his own.

"And every year some fool comes in over me, bids $700, $1,000," he said. "Then they come to me and want an easement. And I always say 'no.' The reason I'm telling you this is, to say people should do their homework first. And me, if I want visitors, I ask 'em."

Pirrung said bidders have become more seasoned since his firm started handling the county auctions in 1984.

"Just do your due diligence," he said. "You'll do all right."