Cash-hungry U.S. states turn to Web to auction goods

[babylonsister]

Cash-hungry U.S. states turn to Web to auction goods
Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:11am EDT

By Tom Ryan


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. municipalities, strapped for cash as the recession decimates revenues, are stepping up sales of everything from old police cars, helicopters and bicycles to confiscated jewelry and slot machines in an effort to reduce swollen deficits.

And municipalities that previously relied on old-fashioned auctions conducted in local parking lots are getting more sophisticated, turning to the online world as they seek to maximize their sales.

As many as 46 states are struggling with deficits, according to the Washington-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. And governments, which are required by law to close budget gaps, are being creative in seeking ways to meet the shortfall.

"Anything that we can dispose of that generates revenue definitely helps to reduce any deficit that we have in the budget," said Greg Spearman, director of purchasing for Tampa, Florida.

Tampa recently raised more than $300,000 from the sale of a 1978 Piper police airplane. The sale was conducted by auction on www.govdeals.com, a website founded by a former investment banker and two partners to help local governments maximize returns on unwanted assets.

Listings on the site have increased significantly in recent months and governments are looking deep into their closets for things to sell, according to Chief Executive Bill Angrick.

more...

http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE52C61D20090314?sp=true

[dkf]

1. Why can't they list on craigslist?

Who goes to www.govdeals.com?

[babylonsister]

2. If it's gov't property, maybe they have to sell via that site.

And why craigslist? Why not eBay? :shrug:

[cutlassmama]

3. Craigslist is free. E-Bay is not. Their fees have gone up a lot lately.

[moundsview]

4. Maybe because Craigs list is increasingly

full of scams, of course so is the Government.