How to dispose of surplus equipment?

That was the question posed to the Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

The county road department has surplused several pieces of equipment, including a bulldozer, excavator, generator, engine block, and pavement roller. On Tuesday, commissioners were set to send the equipment to auction, but representatives of local entities had other ideas: They suggested the dozer and excavator be sold to them at a reasonable price so that it they could share them as needed.

After good discussion, commissioners agreed to the proposal.

The county has done that in the past, said Tony Aegerter, a member of the board of commissioners of Consolidated Diking District 1 on Puget Island.

The district purchased a surplus excavator years ago and have been able to rent it to other agencies for the benefit of all, he said.

Commissioner Mike Backman supported the idea. The agencies would get equipment they needed at an affordable price. Other officials wanted to be sure the county received full value for the equipment.

Treasurer Tammy Peterson and her deputy, Amanda Elliott, described the process they use to sell surplus equipment: They list the articles on a website and sell them to the highest bidders.

The process has worked well, Peterson said. She has been able to sell items such as folding chairs that probably never would sell in a local sale, and the internet advertising draws better bids than just advertising locally.

State law allows the county to sell directly to other governmental agencies instead of going to bid.

Commission Chair Dan Cothren commented that the road department budget is challenged, including the burden of expensive maintenance and repair for the county ferry.

Public Works Director Chuck Beyer said he could determine a fair market value for the equipment, and the diking district could purchase for that price.

Commissioners agreed and voted to offer the dozer and loader to the diking district and put the roller, engine and generator on the auction website.

Peterson said she would publish an announcement referring people to the site for the benefit of people who don't rely on the internet.