The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the final disposition of City-owned surplus property through a public online auction. Surplus property shall consist of the following:

• City-owned property, real or personal, which has been retired from service and no future need of same property is anticipated.
• All abandoned, stolen or recovered property of every kind unclaimed with the Police Department for a period of 60 days and bicycles unclaimed for a period of 30 days.
• Property seized by the Police Department and no longer of use to the department.

Notice of an Auction

The notice of an auction shall appear in the City newspaper for two consecutive weeks, with the first notice appearing 14 days prior to the auction being held. The notice shall also be placed on the City's website.

Auction Website

Visit René Bates Auctioneers, Inc. for information on furniture, supplies, vehicles, heavy equipment and other miscellaneous items currently for sale. All items are sold as is, without warranty or guarantee. Viewing of any auction items can be done by contacting the Purchasing Division to make an appointment.

Notice for Winning Auctions

All materials, equipment, and/or vehicles sold must be removed within the time frame as stated on the auctioneer's website. After the specified date, a $25 per day, per item storage fee will be charged to the buyer. The City of Port Arthur does not provide transportation or loading services for buyers to remove their merchandise. Any and all methods of lifting, towing, and hauling, as well as all other methods or requirements for the removal and transport of the materials, equipment and/or vehicles, is the sole responsibility of the buyer.