YEARS of ignoring dozens of rates notices reached breaking point for two residents when the Maranoa Regional Council auctioned off their homes in a bid to reclaim thousands of dollars of outstanding fees.

The council took action and auctioned off one home in Mitchell and one in Roma on January 24, after years of chasing two property owners for unpaid rates notices

The council were pushed to sell the homes after several years of approaching the property owners to pay overdue bills, a Maranoa council spokeswoman told the Western Star.

"The Statement of Liquidated Claim issued through the court is personally served to the property owner by council's representative," she said.

"Prior to the final step, a notice of intention to sell is also provided, to give property owners an additional time to pay.

"Property owners can enter into a formal payment arrangement (payment plan) to pay in smaller, more manageable amounts, any time up to the notice of intention to sell."

The Mitchell and Roma property owners aren't the only ones who owe council rates money, as of June 30 last year the outstanding rates and charges for the Maranoa region stood at $3,104,708.84

The council spokeswoman highlighted residents can take the opportunity to pay off rates through an approved payment plan, with some pre-paying when they have funds available.

However, eligible pensioners can apply and receive a state and council subsidy (concession) towards their rates and charges.

"All ratepayers including pensioners and those in extenuating circumstances are able to contact council and discuss their outstanding rates and charges and options," the spokeswoman said.

Given the small number of properties that went to auction January 24, council declined to comment on specifics and amounts owed for the individuals' privacy.

"Local Government does all it reasonably can to avoid proceeding to sale, however this must be balanced with the commitment and obligations to the community to continue service delivery," she said.

"Before residential land is sold pursuant to the Local Government Regulation, a minimum of three years must pass before such a critical stage is reached.

"After the passing of the requisite period, the land owner is given a further period to arrange to have their Local Government rates and charges brought up to date before any auction for sale of land is conducted."