See 72 Am. Jur. 2d State and Local Taxation 956 (1974). The county is considered a "purchaser" who has paid the taxes levied against the property, the accrued penalty interest, and the costs of the sale. See 39-11-142, 11 C.R.S. (1997); Tarabino Real Estate Co. v. Dunlavy, 105 Colo. 523, 525-26, 99 P.2d 926, 927-28 (1940). Subsequent taxes levied against parcels held by the county in this manner do not become payable unless the county sells the tax lien or the property is redeemed by the owner.

In using the second method set out in section 247, supra, there is no provision therein requiring the payment of subsequent taxes. We said in Tarabino Real Estate Co. v. Dunlavy, 105 Colo. 523, 99 P.2d 926: "A certificate for land struck off to the county for failure of bidders at the sale is issued by the treasurer to the county and subsequent taxes are indorsed thereon. Thereafter no taxes are payable until redemption or sale. '35 C.S.A., c. 142, § 234. Such certificates may be sold by the treasurer for the amount for which the land was struck off to the county, with interest and penalties, or 'for such sum as the board of county commissioners * * * may decide and authorize.'