Sellersburg council declares totaled police SUV surplus; town manager authorized to dispose

The Sellersburg Town Council on Aug. 12 unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-ORD-011 declaring a town-owned 2019 Dodge Durango police SUV as worthless and authorizing the town manager or police chief to sell, trade or otherwise dispose of the vehicle.

Assistant Chief Adams brought the item to the council and told the council the Durango had been involved in a crash and was totaled on April 3, 2025. Council members said the ordinance is needed to remove the vehicle from the town’s books and to allow the clerk-treasurer’s office to process insurance and disposal steps.

The ordinance text, read aloud at the meeting, cites Indiana Code provisions governing disposal of surplus personal property and sales procedures, including references to Ind. Code §5-22-22 (sale procedures and auctions), Ind. Code §5-3-1 (advertisement of sale) and Ind. Code §36-1-11-9 (trade-in provisions when purchasing similar property).

The ordinance specifies that if the purchasing agent does not sell the item through an internet auction as allowed under Indiana law, the agent may sell the property at a public sale or by sealed bid. It also states property may be declared worthless when its estimated value is less than the cost to sell and transport.

After the first reading and council discussion, Councilmember Randy moved to approve the ordinance; Councilmember Terry seconded. The council passed the ordinance by voice vote.

Town staff indicated the insurer may take ownership and the vehicle could be sent to a salvage yard or auction depending on insurance disposition. The clerk-treasurer’s office will complete removal from town inventory and insurance records.

Ordinance number is recorded in the meeting as 2025-ORD-011.