Starke Sheriff’s Dept. to Look Into Auctioning Items

Sheriff Oscar Cowen
Sheriff Oscar Cowen
The Starke County Commissioners at their meeting this week continued discussion regarding the sale of police vehicles. Sheriff Oscar Cowen approached the commissioners and explained that he is interested in selling three vehicles to help fund the purchase of a new prisoner transport van. Cowen said the department recently retired a Crown Victoria police cruiser, and he would like to sell that vehicle, the old transport van and a DARE trailer. County Attorney Martin Lucas explained that any items valued at more than $1000 must be advertised and sold at a public auction, sealed bid sale, internet sale, or other public sale.

Cowen said he thinks the best option they have would be to use a council member’s eBay account, which would only cost a small commission of the sales. Commissioner Kathy Norem said a local auctioneer might be interested in the sale and they should keep it local. Commissioner Kent Danford agreed.

The commissioners instructed Cowen to check with auctioneer Ben Osinski to see if he would like to handle the items at auction. If the items do not meet their reserve price, they will likely be sold online.