Primary Department: Purchasing
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Kimberly J. Williams, JD
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): 240185
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): GovEase Auction, LLC
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of an award on the basis of best proposal meeting requirements and that the County Judge execute an agreement with GovEase Auction, LLC for online auction services for the sale of tax-delinquent and execution real property for Harris County for the period of September 22, 2026 - September 21, 2027 with four (4) one-year renewal options (240185).
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Background and Discussion:
Harris County has conducted live-cry delinquent tax sales and executions sales since 1839. In February of 2016, the Tax Sale was moved to the Bayou City Event Center for an improved presentation of the subject properties and comfort for the Constables and auction attendees.
Each month, auction day exposes the County to risks and costs which could be eliminated by migrating to an online auction. The online platform will allow the 75+ County-employed associates to remain in their respective offices and reduce opportunity costs by performing other functions while the online auction takes place.
An online auction platform would be more efficient and effective in presenting the properties to more people and achieving higher proceeds for the stakeholders.
Expected Impact:
1. No cost to the County
2. Eliminate or reduce current auction day costs
3. Eliminate risks inherent to a large gathering of attendees
4. Higher proceeds for the defendants
5. Reduce collusion amongst bidders
6. Safe participation - no cancelations (bomb threats, COVID-19 type viruses and weather-related).
Alternative Options:
Continue tax auction in person.
County Strategic Plan Goal: N/A
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any): N/A
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Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 9/22/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/1/2026
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Samantha Kealoha, Chief of Staff, Harris County Tax Office; Kelly Keenan, Delinquent Tax Sales Manager, County Engineer; Sandra Melancon, Asst. Director Sourcing and Contract Management, Purchasing
Attachments (if applicable): Letter, Agreement