ELMWOOD PARK, IL -- Twelve communities in west suburban Cook County were represented at a Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction, hosted by the West Central Municipal Conference, according to the newspaper Elm Leaves. "We pool together a variety of items in one location in order to ease the administrative process and maximize the return to our member communities," said John Kravcik, president of Western Springs and WCMC president, as quoted by Elm Leaves. "Our auctions each year attract bargain shoppers from throughout the region." All of the items for sale had been declared surplus by the participating local governments. Available for purchase were police cars, administrative vehicles, pickup trucks and miscellaneous public works equipment. The event was open to the public. Municipalities participating in the auction included Brookfield, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Indian Head Park, Lyons, Northlake, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Schiller Park and Western Springs. The West Central Municipal Conference is the regional council of government representing municipalities and townships in west suburban Cook County. Its 37 members represent an area of nearly 200 square miles and a population of more than 520,000.