Dewey to auction military surplus equipment

Nearly one year to the day after Dewey Beach commissioners voted to dispose of unwanted military equipment by April 2019, a date has been set to liquidate all surplus equipment.

Town Manager Scott Koenig told commissioners Aug. 9 that Emmert Auction Associates will auction all equipment Saturday, Sept. 14, at the town’s storage lot on Cedar Grove Road between Lewes and Rehoboth. “It’s the most effective way to get items out of the inventory,” Koenig said. 

Koenig said the town will pay $1,950 in advertising fees, and Emmert Auction will receive a commission on items sold.

Mayor TJ Redefer said commissioners already voted to authorize Koenig to dispose of the equipment. “Emmert Auction does this every year for the City of Rehoboth, and he’s incredibly successful doing this,” Redefer said.

Commissioner Paul Bauer agreed. “We all want this done, and we wanted it done yesterday,” he said.

Koenig said some firearms have been returned, and an old loader that was taken to Fitzgerald Salvage & Recycling netted the town less than $800. He said equipment at firing ranges used by the Dewey Police Department would also be transported to the auction site.

Commissioner Dale Cooke insisted commissioners not put up any roadblocks to stall the auction. “The only thing I would remind you all, I have consistently said all this equipment was originally brought to town with the understanding of the police that once it was used and done away with, the money would be set aside for police equipment and police cars,” Cooke said. “I would hope that we continue that process.”

Commissioner Gary Persinger requested Koenig acquire records of all items disposed of at auction; Koenig agreed. “That’s what I need to close the books on this,” Koenig said. “I need the documentation for my own mental state to close the book.”