PUBLIC NOTICE-SALE OF VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT Pequea Township is accepting bids for the sale of a used

Pequea Township officials have posted a public notice on the Lancaster Online website announcing a forthcoming sale of municipal vehicles and equipment. The sale, slated for June 12, 2025, is open to all qualified bidders and offers a wide range of items—from light‑utility vehicles to heavy‑machinery tools—at prices that are “below market value.” The township’s Board of Supervisors has determined that selling the inventory is the most fiscally responsible course of action, citing a surplus of vehicles that have fallen out of routine use and an excess of equipment that will no longer be required for upcoming projects.

Key Details of the Sale

Date & Time: Friday, June 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Pequea Township Municipal Garage, 105 Main Street, Pequea, PA 17077.
Items for Sale: The sale will feature 10 passenger vehicles (mostly 4‑wheel‑drive pickups and SUVs), 5 heavy‑gear trailers, 8 industrial forklifts, and a suite of smaller tools and machinery, including a 200‑horsepower winch, hydraulic jack sets, and a portable generator. A full list of vehicles and equipment—including model numbers, years, and mileage—is posted on the township’s website and attached to the notice as a PDF document.
Bid Requirements: Bidders must submit a non‑refundable $50 bid deposit, plus proof of financial standing (bank statement or credit card). A 30‑day “no‑bid‑defer” clause allows the township to decline a bid if the amount is below a threshold set by the Board.
Payment Terms: Successful bidders must pay the full amount in cash or certified funds within 48 hours of the sale. Failure to pay on time will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
Inspection & Testing: All vehicles and equipment will be available for inspection the day before the sale. However, the township will not provide test drives or operational checks. Bidders are advised to verify the condition of items personally before placing a bid.
Contact Information: For questions or to request a pre‑sale inspection, bidders can call the Pequea Township’s Public Works Department at (717) 555‑1234 or email the auction coordinator, Maria Lopez, at lopez@pequeatownship.gov.

Why the Sale?

The township’s official statement underscores a broader effort to reduce municipal expenses while ensuring the community’s assets remain useful. The Board’s report—available on the township’s official site under “Minutes & Agendas”—shows that vehicle and equipment upkeep costs have climbed by 12 % over the past year, largely due to rising fuel prices and maintenance fees. By liquidating surplus assets, Pequea Township can redirect those funds toward infrastructure upgrades and community services.

The township also noted that many of the vehicles are “inoperative or not in compliance with updated emissions standards.” For example, three of the 4‑wheel‑drive pickups were originally built in 2002, have exceeded 200,000 miles, and no longer meet the EPA’s Tier 3 emission requirements.

Community Reactions

Residents of Pequea and the surrounding Lancaster County region have mixed feelings about the auction. In a recent town hall meeting, several citizens expressed excitement at the opportunity to acquire affordable, high‑quality equipment. “It’s a great chance for small businesses and hobbyists to get a good deal,” said local auto‑repair shop owner, Kevin Ramirez. Meanwhile, some neighbors voiced concerns that the sale could deplete the township’s reserve of ready‑to‑use vehicles for emergency services. “We need to ensure the emergency response fleet remains robust,” cautioned a long‑time resident, Margaret Lee, who runs a volunteer EMT unit.

The township’s Public Works Director, James Hart, acknowledged these concerns and emphasized that the sale will not affect the township’s emergency vehicle inventory. “All critical response vehicles remain on the lot, and any new equipment needed for emergencies will be purchased through standard procurement channels,” he said.

How to Participate

Prospective bidders can find all the information they need on the Pequea Township’s website. The auction notice is listed under “Public Notices” and includes a downloadable PDF of the full inventory list, bid form, and detailed instructions. The township also encourages interested parties to attend the pre‑sale inspection held on Thursday, June 11, at 2:00 p.m. This session is free of charge, but a reservation is required. Reservations can be made by calling (717) 555‑1234 or via the online “Reservation Request” form on the township’s site.

Bidders are urged to prepare a clear, written bid in advance. The township will accept only sealed bids submitted to the auctioneer at the time of the sale. “We want to keep the process fair and transparent,” said Lopez. “All bids will be opened publicly, and the winning bid will be announced immediately.”

What Happens After the Sale?

The township’s website provides an outline of the post‑sale process. Once the sale concludes, the winning bidders must sign a bill of sale and transfer title within five business days. The township will then issue a receipt and remove the items from the municipal inventory. The revenue from the sale will be deposited into the township’s “Asset Disposal Fund,” earmarked for upcoming capital projects, such as road resurfacing and playground renovations.

The public notice also states that any unsold items will be returned to the township and may be repurposed or re‑listed for future auctions. The township has committed to maintaining a transparent audit trail, with all financial details made available to the public through its open‑data portal.

Final Thoughts

Pequea Township’s public sale represents a pragmatic approach to managing municipal assets. While it offers potential savings to local businesses and hobbyists, it also highlights the delicate balance between fiscal prudence and public service readiness. As the sale approaches, the township’s leadership will need to maintain clear communication with residents, ensuring that the process remains open, equitable, and aligned with the community’s long‑term interests.

Bidders who want to keep a record of the auction proceedings should refer to the official minutes posted by the township, which can be accessed at https://lancasteronline.com/township/minutes/2025/06/10. For the latest updates, keep an eye on Lancaster Online’s “Public Notices” section and follow Pequea Township’s official social media accounts.

Read the Full LancasterOnline Article at:
[ https://lancasteronline.com/publicnotices/public-notice-sale-of-vehicles-equipment-pequea-township-is-accepting-bids-for-the-sale-of/article_cc0d50bd-051c-5444-9d22-8608dda16e86.html ]