COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

December 15, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

January 6, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Disposal of Three School Buses

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution approving disposal through public auction of three school buses that have exceeded their usable life or are no longer serving a useful function.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, Effective and Collaborative Government.

Goal (20): Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

Disposal of these vehicles through public auction will result in the vehicles being put back in service by the purchaser, and the County will recover funds that can be applied to the acquisition or replacement of other vehicles that will be needed by the Probation Department.

BACKGROUND:

In 2001 the County purchased one school bus for use by the Probation Department to transport children. In 2005 two addition school buses were purchased to supplement this program.

San Mateo County Ordinance Section 2.83.120 provides that “if the estimated value of surplus property exceeds, in the opinion of the Purchasing Agent, the sum of $10,000.00, he shall first report such fact to the Board of Supervisors and obtain the Board of Supervisors’ approval prior to any disposition of such property.”

DISCUSSION:

Four buses total were previously used by the Probation Department to transport children. That Department is now contracting out this service and no longer has need of these vehicles. One school bus has been retained in case there is need for the emergency evacuation of the wards at Camp Glenwood. The buses are still usable for transportation purposes and therefore will be sold for reuse through a public auction.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The disposal of the three school buses at auction is anticipated to bring in between $42,000 and $58,000. Due to the possibility that one or more of these vehicles could sell for over $10,000, approval by the Board is required. The proceeds of the sales will be deposited in the vehicle replacement fund for the Probation Department. The original cost of acquiring the vehicles was $131,210. There will be no impact to the County’s General Fund.