Auction will feature 36 vehicles for sale

Columbia County's annual surplus vehicle auction is back, and officials say it's better than ever.

Previews for the auction, which will feature 36 vehicles for sale, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the county's Fleet Management department, at 2263 County Camp Road in Appling. The auction begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Greg Woodlief, the county's procurement manager, said the auction will feature a variety of used vehicles such as heavy duty trucks, pickups, vans, sport utilities, police cruisers and three motorcycles - a BMW, a Harley-Davidson and a Kawasaki.

"This is one of our better auctions because of the motorcycles and number of sheriff office vehicles," Woodlief said. "One would be surprised at how many people come out for the motorcycles.''

In addition to the vehicles that will be auctioned off, Woodlief said two equipment trailers also will be sold. But he stressed that all items will be sold "as is."

"There is no warranty," he said. "Most of the vehicles are in running condition; even some that perhaps were wrecked may be good for salvage use. Eighty-five to 90 percent are in great shape."

Woodlief said the auction is not only good for potential buyers but also for the county.

"This is the fairest approach we can think of to dispose of equipment bought with taxpayers' dollars," he said, adding that all of the proceeds from the auction go toward the general fund.

In the past, Woodlief said, the auctions have been very successful. This year, he said, he expects a crowd of about 50 to 100 people. "We expect a good turnout as long as it doesn't rain," he said.

For information, visit www.columbiacountyga.gov, www.weaci.com, or call (800) 282-8460 or 868-3302.