Kootenai County Buildings and Grounds Director Jeff Vohler told commissioners on Jan. 6 that the county should enroll in Public Surplus, an online auction platform he used previously with a school district to sell surplus assets.

“It's a place where public entities can, sell surplus assets,” Vohler said, describing the platform as simple to use and noting bidders can come from out of state. He said the service lets the county set reserves and auction length and that any platform fees can be passed to the buyer.

Vohler told the board he had discussed the option with other department directors, including solid waste, the airport and the sheriff's office, and that they considered Public Surplus a viable tool to add to the county’s options for disposing of items. He said he would include a link to the service in the memo he provided to commissioners.

Commissioners asked procedural questions and voiced support for moving forward with enrollment paperwork. Staff did not present a formal ordinance or motion to adopt a policy at this session; commissioners instead gave direction that staff should proceed with the enrollment and return to the board as needed.

The enrollment would allow staff to advertise and sell surplus county items online and to require buyers to pay associated platform fees when the county elects to pass those costs on. The board did not record a formal vote or authorize a specific funding action on the item during the Jan. 6 meeting.

Next steps: Staff will complete the Public Surplus enrollment forms and include the platform link in the project memo, returning to the board if a formal action or funding authorization is required.