It shall be the duty of the City Clerk, subject to the control and approval of the City Council, to appear in person or to appoint an agent who shall attend all tax sales and bid on all property subject to sale on account of delinquent special assessments and the City Clerk or such agent shall have the authority to purchase same for and on behalf of the city, in default of other bidders or in the discretion of the Finance Committee of the city; the city may advance the special assessments or special taxes in default of bidders and withdraw the property from the sale and the city shall have a lien on the property for the sums thus advanced, including all fees and costs and penalties, interest and charges that have accrued thereon, and the lot or parcel of land or property may be readvertised and resold at any subsequent tax sale for the delinquent special assessments, special taxes or installments thereof.
(1977 Code, § 3-6-7)