Dear Reader:
The following document was created from the MTAS electronic library known as MORe (www.mtas.tennessee.edu/more). This online library is maintained daily by MTAS staff and seeks to represent the most current information regarding issues relative to Tennessee municipal government.
We hope this information will be useful to you; reference to it will assist you with many of the questions that will arise in your tenure with municipal government. However, the Tennessee Code Annotated and other relevant laws or regulations should always be consulted before any action is taken based upon the contents of this document.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments regarding this information or any other MORe material.
Sincerely,
The University of Tennessee
Municipal Technical Advisory Service
1610 University Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921-6741
865-974-0411 phone
865-974-0423 fax
www.mtas.tennessee.edu
When a department head decides there is surplus equipment or material in the department, he or she shall notify the purchasing agent in writing. After the approval of the governing body to dispose of the surplus equipment or materials, the purchasing agent will figure out the best way to dispose of these items in accordance with the entity's surplus disposal policy. This policy shall provide procedures for the disposal of items based on estimated value. Items with an estimated value of less than $100 should be disposed in cooperation with the department head. Items with an estimated value of more than $100 should be sold at public auction or advertised for bidding, which will begin after the purchasing agent has received approval from the governing body. Such equipment or materials will be sold to the highest bidder.
With approval of the governing body, surplus equipment or material may also be transferred from one department to another. The purchasing agent must be sure the finance officer is informed of the transfer or sale.
DISCLAIMER: The letters and publications written by the MTAS consultants were written based upon the law at the time and/or a specific sets of facts. The laws referenced in the letters and publications may have changed and/or the technical advice provided may not be applicable to your city or circumstances. Always consult with your city attorney or an MTAS consultant before taking any action based on information contained in this website.
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