Council discusses surplus street-sign program; staff to return with legal and surplus options

Staunton — Councilmember Warren proposed a program to surplus retired city street signs and redirect proceeds to local nonprofits. Councilmembers and staff discussed methods to limit staff workload and to ensure the proceeds remain with charitable organizations.

Warren said he would be willing to assist with storage and cataloguing to minimize city staff time and cited other cities’ programs. Staff explained the city has an existing surplus process used for vehicles (including GovDeals online sales) and that one option would be to surplus the signs to a designated nonprofit under a formal agreement. “So, when council member Warren and I spoke about this, the process I would recommend if the council approves it is the city council would formally surplus all the signs to whichever nonprofit is designated,” a staff member said, adding that once surplused to a nonprofit, the nonprofit would assume responsibility for pick-up, disassembly and sales.

Councilmembers discussed whether proceeds should go back into city events or remain with nonprofits; Warren said he preferred proceeds stay with nonprofits that would then fund community events. Warren said he had spoken to the Lions Club as an example of a potential nonprofit partner.

The council asked staff to return with a proposed surplus procedure and a legal opinion from the city attorney on whether the city should surplus the signs for a nominal fee (for example, $1) or use the GovDeals sales platform. No formal vote was taken; staff will prepare a proposal and legal guidance for a future meeting.