With 52 items sold and more than $200,000 generated this year, the St. Charles Parish Government is calling its move to selling surplus equipment in online auctions a success.
“This was the first year that the parish has held online auctions and we feel that they have been very successful,” said Darrin Duhe, executive director of the parish’s Procurement and Government Buildings. “A definite advantage is that once a piece of equipment has been declared surplus we can list it quickly to be sold.”
The parish held four online auctions this year.
Previously held every three to four years, the parish’s last live auction was held in May of last year. Online auctions are held as needed.
“While the live auctions may have included more items at one time, the value of those items had depreciated, especially the heavy equipment such as excavators, tractors and mowers,” Duhe said.
Online auctions drew a broader range of bidders and a better price on some items. For example, a 2001 Sterling dump truck sold in a live auction for $2,000 compared to $7,369 sold online.
Other items that attracted a higher-than-anticipated prices on some items included a vacuum truck, $81,620; a Ford F-350, $6,270; a Dodge Ram 3500, $13,971 and a Kebelco excavator, $23,540.
“The online auction process virtually opens up the world to the items that are listed on the site,” Duhe said. “We’ve had people from out of state purchase some of these items, and we will continue to use the online service in the future.”
Collectively, the parish’s four online auctions generated $198,864 this year.
Auction 1 generated $111,797; Auction 2: $39,556; Auction 3: $33,514, and Auction 4: $13,996.
Duhe said additional benefits from online auctions is not having to store items up to four years for a live auction, which could provide space for vehicles and trailers.
“The ability to sell these items quickly and not have them deteriorate while waiting to go to auction increases their value at the time of auction,” he said.
State law prohibits parish employees and members of employee’s immediate families from buying items at parish surplus auctions. This includes an employee’s children, brothers, sisters, spouses of brothers and sisters, parents’ spouse and spouse’s parents.
Duhe said the parish will advertise all items going up for auction in the St. Charles Herald Guide and that most auctions will last between seven and 10 days. All payments will be made through the online auction house. One does not have to register to view the items but one must register to bid.
The parish does not have items for auction at this time.To participate in the auction process, visit www.publicsurplus.com.
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