Council declares 24 firearms and one crossbow surplus, will open competitive vendor bids

The Aberdeen City Council declared 24 firearms and a single found crossbow surplus property and approved opening the disposal to competitive bidding.

Police Chief John Dahl explained the items are held in the department property room and could not be returned either because owners could not be contacted or because criminal convictions preclude return; the crossbow was listed as found property. The chief said the department has historically alternated vendors and will now solicit competitive bids among firearms dealers to maximize sale proceeds. The council approved the surplus declaration on motion.

Mayor Shoneman thanked staff for procuring additional value for the city and the council voted to move forward with a competitive sale process.