Council considered disposing of a specialized office chair purchased in 2023 with an original cost of about $1,300. City staff said the chair is highly specific to one employee’s size and that an offer was made to purchase it. City ordinance requires council approval for divestiture of assets valued over $100.

Members discussed whether a policy or auction process would be more appropriate to avoid perceived gifting or unequal treatment. City attorney staff recommended auction to eliminate concerns about preferential sale. Following a motion, council voted to place the chair in the upcoming public online auction.

Why it matters: The vote formalizes a consistent surplus-asset disposition practice and avoids potential gifting concerns by offering the item publicly.

What’s next: The chair will be placed in the next city online auction per staff process.