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Wanna Buy a Utility Truck? City Auctioning Old Stuff as Budget Bandage

By Ted Cox | July 31, 2015 7:10am
 Wanna buy a city utility truck? Chicago is auctioning off this gently used International 4700.
Wanna buy a city utility truck? Chicago is auctioning off this gently used International 4700.
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City of Chicago

CITY HALL — Just like humans, cities can sell off old stuff as a way to increase money flow during austere times — in Chicago's case, to relieve the impending budget crunch.

Wanna buy a utility truck? The city is selling a 2001 International 4700, and it was going for $1,675 as of late Thursday, with the online auction expected to close at 2 p.m. Friday. But buyer beware: although it has only 52,659 miles on it, the description reports the "driver mirror missing," as well as "accident damage on driver-side door and hood." It is equipped with air brakes, but with the proviso that "operational condition not known; unidentified issues may exist." Also, the city withholds the right to extend the auction.

Still, Finance Department spokeswoman Molly Poppe said the city has raised $14 million through the sale of "surplus items" since 2011, $4 million over the last two years, with another $2 million projected for next year's budget.

"Anything of potential value, the city is looking to sell," Poppe added.

According to Poppe, the city completed 566 auctions last year and 266 so far this year through its online site. Items have included everything from "old calculators to solar panels to dental chairs." The items "would otherwise be disposed of at a cost to the city," and the savings alone for not having to get rid of them are estimated at $200,000 over the last two years.

Currently up for bid: a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria sedan going for $100 and a 2007 Ford Escape SUV hybrid for $510. Both close next week, as does the auction for approximately 3,000 used plastic refuse carts. But be warned: you have to buy all 3,000, and bidding is already at $1,500.

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