A recent Monmouth County, N.J., surplus property auction brought in $2.69 million, bolstered by the sale of a Jet Ranger helicopter that sold for $421,000. The helicopter was surplus property from the Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission.

Thirty-six other surplus items, including 28 vehicles, were also sold online. The items were all sold to the highest bidders and came from the County's Fleet Services, Sheriff's Office, Buildings and Grounds, and Reclamation Center as well as seized and surplus property from the Prosecutor's Office.

The auction of the helicopter was conducted from May 17 to June 17 by Auction Liquidation Services. A full description of the helicopter along with photographs and terms of sale was available online. The other items were available for bidding from May 17-21.

"The sale of this helicopter was a rare and exciting opportunity for the county and potential buyers," said Gary Rich, deputy director of the County Board of Chosen Freeholders. "The county's online auctions provide a great benefit in terms of revenue and make it easier for bidders as they can monitor the sale though their computers. Another benefit is that we get many more bidders, including some in other states."

Generally, the county has two auctions a year — spring and fall. The auctions are coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Engineering, Division of Fleet Services with assistance provided by the Purchasing Division.

The County shifted all of its surplus property auctions online in 2008.

0 Comments