FREEHOLD, NJ – The 2009 Monmouth County surplus auction will be conducted online through June 17, according to a county release.

"We have found that conducting the auction online provides a greater benefit not only for county taxpayers, who are the beneficiaries of the additional revenue an online auction generates, but it also makes it easier for bidders who can monitor the sale through their home computers," Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow said. "This is the second year the entire auction will be online."

Seized and surplus property from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Fleet Services, Bridge Department, Buildings & Grounds, Reclamation Center, Health Department, and Park System will be sold. The auction will be conducted by Auction Liquidation Services. A full list of the items included in the 2009 auction may be found online at www.govauctionlistservices.com. Pictures, descriptions, terms of sale, and other information are available.

Click here for additional information about the auctions. 

The county experimented with an online auction in 2007 by selling just two large items online and nearly doubled its price. Last year's online auction brought in $284,000. That figure was lower than the total from the year before, due largely to the fact that less valuable merchandise was available for sale, but there were many more bidders and, therefore, was viewed as very successful, according to the county.

"In addition to broadening the bidder base, having the entire auction online eliminates weather concerns and reduces labor issues," said Freeholder Robert Clifton. "Prior to 2008, surplus auctions cost taxpayers as a result being held solely on the weekend which accrued overtime expenses for set-up, oversight, and security."

Clifton said the county may conduct more auctions throughout the year.