Chapter 2.40
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
Sections:
2.40.030 Destruction when no bids received.
2.40.010 Return to owner.
All personal property coming into the possession of the police department, by under and through the exercise of the proper duties and functions of the police department shall be returned to and delivered to the rightful owners thereof upon presentation of proof of identity and right of possession and ownership. (Ord. 92 § 1, 1955)
2.40.020 Sale at auction.
All unclaimed personal property coming into the possession of the police department shall from and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter be dealt with in the following manner:
A. Such unclaimed property shall be held in the possession of the police department for a period of not less than six months;
B. On or after the expiration of six months such property shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder; and
C. Notice of such sale shall be given by the chief of police of the police department at least five days before the time fixed for such sale by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county. Such notice shall specify the date, hour and place at which such sale shall be conducted. At such sale the chief of police shall deliver possession of such property to the highest bidder therefor and shall receive the sum so paid and issue his or her receipt therefor. All moneys so received shall be paid to the treasurer of the city.
D. Nothwithstanding the foregoing, property with a value, estimated by the chief of police, to be not in excess of five hundred dollars may be sold at other than auction in the following circumstances:
1. If the property is of a variety which either cannot be legally sold to the general public, or there are public policy reasons for not doing so, or
2. The expenses of conducting the auction would exceed the probable return.
In such cases property may be sold or exchanged to prospective purchasers who, in the determination of the chief of police, are likely to pay as much for the property as could be expected through reasonable alternative procedures. Such property may not, however, be sold to any city employee or spouse, child, or parent of a city employee. (Ord. 633 § l, 1987; Ord. 92 § 2, 1955)
2.40.030 Destruction when no bids received.
In the event that property is not disposed of pursuant to the proceeding section, then the chief of police is authorized and directed to destroy such property. (Ord. 633 § 2, 1987; Ord. 92 § 3, 1955)