(a) All or part of the deferred taxes and accrued interest may be paid at any time to the appropriate tax official by:

(1) The owner of the property or the spouse of the owner; or

(2) The next of kin of the owner, heir of the owner, child of the owner, or any person having or claiming a legal or equitable interest in the property, provided that no objection is made by the owner within 30 days after the appropriate tax official notifies the owner of the fact that such payment has been tendered. Any payment made under this paragraph shall be deposited in a special escrow account for the 30 day period; and the appropriate tax official shall not make distribution of the amount under Code Section 48-6-74 while the funds are held in escrow.

(b) Any partial payment made pursuant to this Code section shall be applied first to accrued interest. By resolution of the appropriate county or municipal governing authority, a minimum amount of partial payment which may be accepted in the county or municipality pursuant to this part may be established. The required minimum payment shall not exceed $25.00.