BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The number of tax delinquent properties in Baldwin County has nearly doubled compared to last year, and the properties will go to the auction block Tuesday at the Baldwin County Revenue Commission Office in Bay Minette.

Revenue Commissioner Teddy Faust said Wednesday that about 5,700 parcels will be auctioned beginning at 10 a.m. The commission office is at 1705 U.S. 31 in Bay Minette.

“We are seeing a spike in payments, but not enough,” Faust said. “People just don’t have the money.”

Last year, about 3,000 parcels were sold, representing about $4 million in unpaid taxes. Faust said payments will be taken via cash or certified check until 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Revenue Commission offices are in Bay Minette, Fairhope and Foley satellite courthouses and the Robertsdale Central Annex.

Interest, penalties and publication costs to list tardy taxpayers are tacked on the actual tax bill.

In addition, Faust said he has seen a keen interest in speculators who intend to overbid the parcels to take advantage of a state law allowing overbids of up to 15 percent of the appraised property value and earn 12 percent simple interest until the property is redeemed by the owner.

Overbids were about $28 million last year.

Delinquent tax lists were advertised beginning in March in Gulf Coast Newspapers. The list also is available at baldwincountyal.gov. Click “Revenue Commissioner,” “Forms/Downloads,” “Tax Sale List.”

For more information, call the revenue commission office at (251) 937-0245.