ONLINE AUCTION City prepares to sell government surplus

LightGov offers online auctions and other services to governments.
By MONICA BOND
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city will conduct its first online auction Friday to June 17.
Warren has contracted with LightGov LLC of Boardman to auction surplus government property online, said Lizza Mazzochi, the city's administrative coordinator.
Mazzochi said Warren usually has a police auction to sell surplus equipment such as old police cars, bicycles, vehicles, car audio equipment, and other things either seized or used by the city.
"We have surplus and have transferred our normal police auction to online," she said.
The auction will be conducted entirely online; the link will be at www.warren.org. People can view descriptions and pictures of the items and place bids.
After the auction closes at 7 p.m. June 17, the city will e-mail the people with the winning bids.
"It is an excellent opportunity for our city to gain nontax revenue. We look forward to a very successful partnership with LightGov," Mayor Michael O'Brien said.
Mazzochi worked with Dan Sciotino of LightGov and city Detective Geoffrey Fusco to put together the auction. LightGov took pictures and set the auction up online; Fusco handled evidence room equipment.
Mazzochi said Warren paid LightGov an initial $700 annual fee; LightGov will also receive a 6 percent commission.
"LightGov was very helpful; it's a nice service and we'll give it a go," she said.
David Engler, LightGov CEO and former Mahoning County commissioner, founded LightGov in 2000. LightGov offers a variety of services in addition to online auctioning including online payment, licensing, registration, and permitting.
For more information, contact Lizza Mazzochi at city hall.