An auction at which the Lula Lake Land Trust bought 266 acres on the side of Johnson's Crook near Rising Fawn, Ga., has been voided.
Bobby Davenport of the Lula Lake Land Trust, who paid $146,000 for the property when he bid it in for the taxes owed, said Dade County officials later learned that a bankruptcy had been filed.
Mr. Davenport said, "The bankruptcy trumps the sale."
He said Dade County officials have returned the money, though the county sorely needs the funds and is operating with a reduced staff and reduced hours.
Travis A. Shiels of TAS Inc. filed the bankruptcy in Federal Court in Chattanooga on Dec. 28.
The auction was held Jan. 3.
The Southeastern Cave Conservancy had also picked up some tracts on the side of Lookout Mountain.
Mr. Davenport said he will continue to follow the proceedings in Banktupcy Court. A hearing is set Feb. 7.