If the amount received from the sale is more than the taxes, interest and charges, and subsequent taxes and assessments, on all land included in the sale, together with the expenses of the sale, the balance shall be deposited with the city or town treasurer to be paid to the person entitled to it if demanded within five (5) years, otherwise it shall enure to the city or town. If the surplus results from the sale of several parcels for a lump sum, it shall be held for the several owners in proportion to the prices at which the several parcels were originally assessed by the city or town.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-9-37