Chapter 3.68
SALE AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Sections:
3.68.020 Reassignment of assets.
3.68.040 Assets over $50,000 – Utility assets.
3.68.050 Final determination of value.
3.68.060 Prohibited benefit – Delegation of authority.
3.68.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a procedure for the disposition of property which is surplus to the city. “Surplus” is defined for purposes of this procedure to mean any tangible, personal property owned by the city that is not needed either at present or in the foreseeable future, or that is no longer of value to the city. [Ord. 1140 § 1, 2000.]
3.68.020 Reassignment of assets.
When a department director makes a determination that an asset is surplus to its needs, notification shall be made to the mayor or city administrator in an attempt to reassign the asset within the city where it can be of use or value. [Ord. 1140 § 1, 2000.]
3.68.030 Methods of disposal.
When it is not practical for an asset to be reassigned to another division of the city, the clerk-treasurer shall assign the asset a value and a recommended method of disposal as outlined below:
A. Primary methods of disposal to the general public are recognized as direct sale, sealed bid, trade or auction. Other methods of disposal to the general public must be clearly detailed in writing and must have the consent of the city council.
B. The city council may transfer a surplus asset to another public agency upon written request and a determination that it is in the public interest to do so. The city council may elect to trade assets or authorize the mayor to negotiate payment for the asset.
C. If the asset has an estimated value of less than $2,000, the mayor may dispose of the surplus property to the general public through direct sale, sealed bid, trade or auction. Items disposed of in this manner will be reported to the city council on a regular basis.
D. If the asset has an estimated value between $2,000 and $49,999.99 the city council will direct the method of disposal of the surplus asset. [Ord. 1140 § 1, 2000.]
3.68.040 Assets over $50,000 – Utility assets.
If the asset proposed as surplus is evidence released by a court, seized assets or unclaimed property, the mayor shall review the appropriate statutes prior to seeking council authorization to declare the assets surplus. If the value of the asset is estimated to be more than $50,000 and if the sale or conveyance is to another governmental entity, the provisions of RCW 39.33.020 shall apply. If the asset was originally purchased for utility purposes, the provisions of RCW 35.94.040 shall apply. [Ord. 1140 § 1, 2000.]
3.68.050 Final determination of value.
When disposal is made to the general public through direct sale, sealed bid or auction, final determination of value shall be the highest responsible bid or offer. [Ord. 1140 § 1, 2000.]
3.68.060 Prohibited benefit – Delegation of authority.
It is recognized that members of the city council, the mayor and city administrator are prohibited from benefitting from the disposal of public assets of the city. Other employees of the city may benefit from the disposal of public assets only through sealed bid or public auction. [Ord. 1140 § 1, 2000.]