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Looking to bid Beast mulcher adieu, Boardman to give Web site a 2nd try
Photo
Boardman's recycling equipment known as The Beast.
By Denise Dick
The township reduced the starting bid for the machine by $89,000.
BOARDMAN — The township got more than 1,700 hits on an online auction to sell its recycler/grinder — but no bids so far.
The township bought the machine, called the Beast, in 2006, paying $262,372 and trading in the old machine that was valued at about $45,000.
In late May, trustees agreed to put the grinder up for an online auction through LightGov. LightGov, based in the township, formed in April 2000. It offers online auctions to governments.
“We got 1,700 hits from people inquiring about it,” said Trustee Kathy Miller.
But no one bid on it during the two weeks it was posted, she said.
Larry Wilson, road superintendent, said the machine will be posted again — this time for 35 days and with a $200,000 starting bid. Previously, bidding was to start at $289,000.
Everything else about the online auction will remain the same.
Administrator Jason Loree said the auctioneer suggested the township put the machine back on the Web site and try again.
LightGov will get 1 percent of the amount received for the machine — lower than what the company generally charges, officials said.
The Beast was used when residents took their branches and other yard debris to the township’s compost site on Southern Boulevard. The debris was turned into mulch, which was offered free to residents.
The site closed, however, when budget problems led to layoffs in February 2008. Several of the 13 road department employees laid off have not been called back to work.
Layoffs meant a lack of manpower required to operate the machine.
The machine has been idle since layoffs, so the township decided to sell it to try to recoup some costs.
Residents will still have the opportunity to get rid of their yard debris, though.
The township plans a fall curbside branch pickup for residents this year and spring and fall pickups in subsequent years as well as fall leaf pickups.
denise_dick@vindy.com