Finance and Administration Cabinet
State sells used vehicles at auction to generate revenue, reduce fleet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State sells used vehicles at auction to generate revenue, reduce fleet

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2010) — In an effort to generate revenue, reduce expenditures and decrease the state’s fleet, the Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Division of Fleet Management and the Division of Surplus Property held a public auction this week to sell used state vehicles. 

“Surplus auctions generate much-needed revenue in tough economic times while also offering good deals for Kentuckians bidding on the vehicles,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. 

“The state’s fleet is essential in maintaining any number of programs and services for the public, but in an effort to stretch every dollar as far as possible, we are using those vehicles longer and for more miles than in the past.”

At this week’s auction, 156 cars, trucks, vans and SUVs were sold, generating more than $350,000.  Of those, 29 were sold in advance to city and county governments.  A 2005 Chevy Tahoe was the highest selling item, bringing in $8,800. 

“Fleet surplus auctions are a tremendous resource for anyone looking for a good deal but also provides a great benefit to the local governments who, like the state, are also facing difficult budgetary circumstances,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.  “Through this partnership between Fleet Management and Surplus Properties, we are saving tax dollars at multiple levels.” 

The number of people who registered as potential bidders was 492, an increase of 54 from the last Division of Fleet Management Auction that was held Sept. 22, 2009.  At the 2009 auction, 180 vehicles sold for $336,475. 

“The increase in attendance this year is further evidence that Kentucky families, like state government, are looking for ways to save money by spending less on necessary purchases,” said Gov. Beshear. 

The Commonwealth’s fleet included 4,639 vehicles as of August 2010.  That number is down 253 vehicles from January 2008.  Of the current fleet, 49 percent of the automobiles are five years or older or have logged more than 100,000 miles.  Another 36 percent are seven years or older or register over 140,000 miles. 

“We are keeping our fleet vehicles longer and when they must be replaced, we are looking at smaller, more fuel efficient options,” said. Sec. Miller.  “With Gov. Beshear’s leadership, all state agencies are continuously looking for ways to run the most efficient government possible and I commend the Division of Fleet Management for their efforts.”   

For more information on upcoming auctions and surplus sales, go to http://finance.ky.gov/internal/surplus/.

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