Houses in yer neihborhood aren't auctioned off for a mere $8,000 tax bill... I mean, that would be absolutely counter-productive...

Go talk with the tax folks and offer a payment deal where you pay a little each month... They'll take the deal... If not, call the local TV stations... Channel 4 would be my choice...

BTW, if the tax folks do refuse to make a deal with you ask them to place a lein on the property and list it for sale yourself with the taxes to paid paid when it sells...