WILTON — Nineteen properties foreclosed on for lack of tax payments were sold during an auction held earlier this month, Town Manager Rhonda Irish told selectmen last week.

The sales brought in $51,225 that will go toward covering costs, back taxes and back charges, she said. 

About 70 residents attended the auction held on Aug. 10 at Academy Hill School. Auctioneer Adrian Harris sold all properties for the town in less than an hour, she said. There was no minimum set on any of the lots.

A total of $52,525 has been raised from foreclosed properties this year.

In other business, Selectman Tom Saviello told the board that the community police committee will not hold any meetings until a new police chief is appointed.

Saviello, who is leading the committee, wants to discuss how to proceed with the new chief, he said.

A first round of interviews for the chief’s position are starting this week and will continue over the next couple weeks. During the first interviews, two selectmen, two town employees and three citizens meet with the candidates, he said.

Nancy Teel, volunteer center coordinator for the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, also spoke to selectmen about the United Way’s Day of Caring planned for Sept. 10.

Planned as part of the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, community members are needed to volunteer to work on several projects during this year’s inaugural Day of Caring. The day focuses on some projects in and around East Wilton including energy conservation efforts at the Wilson Grange.

Volunteers are also needed to help clean and spruce up the grounds and equipment at Bishop Park in East Wilton and to harvest produce for area food pantries from the “Give Peas a Chance” community garden located behind the East Wilton Post Office.

Other work is being done at Cushing School and the Safe Voices building on Route 133.

People interested in helping with these local projects can contact Teel ahead of time by emailing her at [email protected] or calling her at 778-5048.

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