R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-13: Sale at auction — Surplus proceeds.

In case the owner shall not redeem them as provided in § 9-26-12, and in case they are not sold under special order, the officer shall sell the goods or chattels at public auction to the highest bidder, and in any case if any surplus shall remain after the debt or damages and costs and charges are paid, the surplus shall be delivered by the officer to the owner or to any person legally qualified on his or her behalf to receive the surplus.