Advisory board member says limiting retired police vehicle sales to governments may forgo auction revenue

Juan Martinez, who identified himself as an advisory board member for public infrastructure, urged the governing body to reconsider a policy that limits the sale of retired police vehicles to government agencies.

Martinez told the council the city's stated rationale —removal of police equipment costs about $1,200 per vehicle and that constrains resale value—does not capture the broader financial picture. He argued many municipalities that use public auctions see competitive bids that can exceed expected returns and suggested partial decommissioning (for example, removing emergency lights and insignia while leaving other noncritical modifications) could reduce costs and keep vehicles suitable for civilian purchase.

"The assumption that public sale will not be [a] financial beneficiary is not supported by comparative practice in other jurisdictions," Martinez said, adding that restricting sales to government buyers "restricts market competition" and may lower potential proceeds.

Martinez's remarks were heard during the public comment period; the council did not take immediate action to change the sales policy at this meeting. Any policy change would require staff follow-up and a formal agenda item for deliberation and possible ordinance or administrative-rule adjustment.