In the event that the Controller receives the notice described in Section 16187 of this code or Section 3375 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the Controller may take any of the following actions which will best serve the interests of the state:
(a)
Notify by United States mail the tax collector or other party that such notice has been received and that the Controller must be given at least 20 days prior notice of the date that the property will be sold at auction. If the Controller elects to proceed under this subdivision, the Controller may use funds appropriated by Section 16100 to bid on the property at the auction up to the amount secured by the state’s lien on the property and any lien on such
property having priority over the state’s lien. All additional amounts paid pursuant to this subdivision shall be added to the amount secured by the lien on such property provided for in Article 1 (commencing with Section 16180) of this chapter.
(b)
Acknowledge by United States mail that the notice required by Section 16187 of this code or Section 3375 of the Revenue and Taxation Code has been received.