Finance committee approves revised surplus property policy widening authority and adding real estate

The Waukesha City Finance Committee on Sept. 30 approved changes to the city’s Disposition of Surplus Property financial policy (F‑15), adding real estate to the policy, clarifying processes for sale and transfer and raising the council approval threshold for disposals from $10,000 to $25,000.

City staff told the committee the revised policy expands the kinds of property covered (equipment, vehicles, rolling stock and real estate), documents that surplus property is sold “as is,” and sets clearer roles and approvals. Under the revised policy department heads may authorize sales of surplus property up to $25,000 and the city administrator may execute related contracts. Staff also said the city will draft a procedural manual to implement the policy at an operational level.

Joe Sherrill, the city’s finance director, introduced the item and said the change was consistent with other municipal purchasing thresholds. He explained raising the threshold aligns the surplus policy with the city’s purchasing policy and past practice around public construction thresholds. The committee discussed specific language on marketing real estate and accepting the highest possible consideration; legal staff and a city attorney present said the policy allows for consideration other than money when appropriate.

Alderman Molson asked whether the city administrator could designate a deputy to execute closing documents when the administrator was unavailable; legal staff said the policy could be amended to permit a city administrator designee. Alderman Molson also asked whether the policy required selling to the highest bidder without regard to bidder reputation; staff pointed to language allowing consideration beyond price, such as the buyer’s demonstrated ability to perform, as justification for flexibility.

The committee approved the revised policy by voice vote and referred it to the Common Council for adoption.