R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-9-14: Purchase by collector for city or town.

If at the time and place of sale no person bids an amount equal to the tax and charges for the land offered for sale, the collector shall then and there make public declaration of the fact; and, if no bid equal to the tax and charges is then made, the collector shall give public notice that the collector purchases for the city or town by which the tax is assessed the land as offered for sale at the amount of the tax and the charges and expenses of the levy and sale. This amount, together with the cost of recording the deed of purchase, shall be allowed the collector in his or her settlement with the city or town; provided, that the collector causes the deed to be duly recorded within sixty (60) days after the purchase and to be delivered to the city or town treasurer.