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Council approves process to dispose decades of seized, unclaimed firearms; police favor dealer transfer over auction
Summary
Council approved Resolution No. 2025-02 authorizing the city attorney to seek court authority to dispose of more than 20 years’ worth of seized and unclaimed firearms and related property; police said transferring to a licensed firearms dealer for sale or trade would be simpler and support equipment replacement.
The City Council voted to approve Resolution No. 2025-02 on Jan. 21, authorizing the city attorney to file an application in Noble County District Court to dispose of certain seized and unclaimed firearms and related property held by the police department.
The City Attorney (name not specified in the transcript) told the council the items include more than 20 years of seized weapons and other property such as bicycles. The proposed court order would permit the city to give firearms to a licensed gun dealer to sell or trade in compliance with the court’s direction; some items would instead be destroyed if they are illegal or unsafe (for example, sawed-off shotguns, pellet guns, or badly rusted or defective weapons).
The Police Chief (name not specified) described a preference against an auction and in favor of having a licensed dealer inspect the inventory and offer a lump-sum amount or trade value. “We just want a weapons dealer to come say, what will you give us for all these guns? Because I'm opposed to having an auction per se,” the chief said, adding that he does not want the department to carry federal licensing and paperwork for auction sales. The chief said some current department rifles (ARs) are 17 years old and that proceeds or trade-in value would help replace aging equipment with modern rifles and optics.
Staff noted there is a statutory notice requirement and a public hearing process; the city must mail notice to potential owners and post notice publicly for some items of certain value. The City Attorney said some people with a legal interest in weapons (for example, prior owners) could be prevented from taking possession if disqualified (for example, convicted felons). The Police Department’s evidence technician, Richard Tyler, reported an internet-based assessment of street value at approximately $10,975, but council members cautioned that internet prices can be misleading and actual dealer offers may be substantially lower.
The resolution passed on roll call. City staff said proceeds from the disposition may be transferred to the general fund or used by the police department to purchase or trade for replacement equipment, subject to the court order and city policy.
