Commission authorizes Internet-only surplus auction with Purple Wave to sell county vehicles and equipment

Public Works staff told the commission on July 9 that the department needs to dispose of accumulated surplus — including vehicles, furniture and equipment stored in containers — and proposed using Purple Wave, an Internet-only auction platform, to sell items during August.

The presenter said Purple Wave receives buyer-paid fees and that using an online platform would avoid county storage costs and could broaden the bidder pool. "We will advertise in the Mercury as per statute and Purple Wave does their advertisement stuff too," the presenter said, and added the items would be displayed and listed throughout August with bidding closing at the end of the month.

A commissioner moved and seconded to authorize staff to contract with Purple Wave Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, to conduct an Internet-only auction and begin the process to dispose of surplus property; the motion passed by voice vote and the commission directed staff to sign a notice of intent to sell and proceed with required advertising.