7 Bethel Town Vehicles Sold for $125 Each

BETHEL, CT-- Patch has updated the article with a quote from First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker.

Update 6:33 p.m., Wednesday:

Editor's note: Patch previously posted a stock photo of a Chevy van from flickr creative commons, however, the First Selectman said:

"I objected to the picture shown in the article (which is an image of a van being driven down a street, while the vehicles in question are not road worthy). Had that been done, readers would know these vehicles have no value whatsoever except scrap metal salvage, and the market for scrap metal at this particular time is almost nothing. Running an ad to auction them off would have cost taxpayers two to three times more than the salvage value that was obtained. Obviously it made no sense to do so."

Patch advised the First Selectman that running a public notice on Patch.com is free.

Update 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, Matt Knickerbocker's response:

"None of the vehicles in question are in working condition, nor are they economically repairable. They are worthless. They have blown engines, blown transmissions, failed brake systems and other problems. Their only value is metal salvage, which under current market conditions is close to zero. Kelly Blue Book values do not apply to vehicles in these conditions. The town cannot donate them to a charity for tax credits, because the town does not pay taxes."

Original post, 8 a.m., Wednesday:

The Board of Selectmen recently decided to sell seven Town-owned vehicles for a total of $875, without notifying the sale to the public, according to a memo sent from the Town Clerk to the First Selectman.

Patch reached out to First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker for comment, however he said he can not comment at this time because he is "swamped" during budget time.

The memo states that the Town sold seven vehicles for a total of $875. The vehicles' sale price was valued at over $12,000, according to Kelley Blue Book's fair market value, the lowest rating on the site which states:

"Fair- 18% of all cars we value

Has some cosmetic defects that require repairing and/or replacing

• Requires some mechanical repairs
• The paint and bodywork may require refinishing and body repair
• The engine compartment has leaks and may require repairs
• May have some repairable rust damage
• The body has dents, chips, and/or scratches
• The interior has substantial wear, and may have small tears
• Wheels may be warped or bent, have major scratches, scrapes, or pitting and require replacement
• The tires may not match and need replacing
• Needs servicing, but is still in reasonable running condition with a clean title history
• A few service records are available"

The Town Clerk's memorandum stated that according to Town of Bethel Charter, Section C8- 13.( C)( 4), the Board of Selectmen, at their March 15, 2016 meeting approved the following motion(s) in connection with waiving the bidding/ advertising procedure:

"The Board of Selectmen, in accordance with the provisions of the Town of Bethel Charter, Section C8- 13( C)( 4)iii and Section C8- 13( C)( 4)iv, finds that it is in the public interest and the public economy to waive the bidding and advertising requirements and approve the sale of seven ( 7) Town of Bethel Motor Vehicles as hereinafter set forth below to Lajoie Auto Wrecking in the amount of One Hundred Twenty ($ 125. 00) Dollars each, for the total sum of Eight Hundred Seventy Five 875.00) Dollars."

The State of Connecticut allows for a $500 tax deduction for used cars that are donated to charity, running or not.

The Bethel Fire House uses non-working vehicles in their training exercises when running drills for the Jaws of Life.

A Google search shows numerous organizations that pick up working and non-working vehicles.

"SPCA of Connecticut accepts used vehicle donations, running or not. Donations help the SPCA's lifesaving mission. We are able to accept all kinds of closeouts and excess inventory which is converted to trade credit. The trade credit is used to pay for shelter expenses and Veterinary care. The SPCA is a qualified 501-c-3 non-profit organization and can provide necessary tax deduction documentation."

"Make at Home Foundation: We will accept NON-WORKING Vehicles. Donation Line"

"Vehicle Donation Pickup in Connecticut: Donation Line is proud to accept car donations in the State of Connecticut. We have towing agents throughout the Nutmeg State including Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport and surrounding areas, ready to pickup your vehicle donation for FREE. Non-running, junk and salvage vehicles are also accepted."

"Connecticut Wheels for Wishes accepts automobile donations, running or not. We are able to accept most vehicles whether they run or not. Car donations to an IRS approved 501(c)(3) charity is still tax deductible and will fall into one of these categories: 1) For vehicles sold for under $500, you can claim the fair market value up to $500.00 without any additional paperwork. The preliminary tax receipt will be mailed after vehicle has been confirmed picked up. 2) If the gross proceeds for the sale of your donated vehicle exceeds $500.00, your deduction will be limited to the actual sale price. You will also be asked by the donee organization to provide your Social Security for the purposes of completing its IRS Form 1098-C form."

The Town-owned vehicles that were sold are as follows:

1) 2000- GMC Van, formerly used by building maintenance VIN: 1GTFG25M6Y1900484

• Kelley Blue Book value: $2,234

2) 2000- Ford E250 Van, formerly used by building maintenance VIN: 1I-TNE24L2YHA84391

• Kelley Blue Book value: $1,508

3) 1995- Chevrolet S10 pick- up, formerly used by building maintenance VIN: 1GCCS1447SK245072

• Kelley Blue Book value: $1,483

4) 2002- Ford Ranger pick-up, formerly used by Parks& Recreation VIN: 1FTZR45U62TA09867

• Kelley Blue Book value: $1,891

5) 2004- Ford Crown Victoria, formerly used as a Police Department Paramedic Vehicle VIN: 2FAHP71W74X174994

• Kelley Blue Book value: $2,069

6) 2000- GMC SAFARI Van, formerly used as a Police Department Animal Control Vehicle VIN: 1GKDM19W4Y6534982

• Kelley Blue Book value: $2,234

7) 1997- Dodge B1500, formerly used by the Board of Education VIN: 2B7HB11X5VK522112

• Kelley Blue Book value: $1,483

The memo further stated:

"The seven ( 7) vehicles have outlived their usefulness and have been determined to present an imminent hazard to the safety of passengers and pedestrians. Each of the vehicles has been evaluated to have no demonstrable value with the cost to repair and maintain each exceeding the value of the vehicle. The cost to publicly advertise for the sale of such vehicles does not warrant the expense of advertising as compared to the value of the vehicles. And it is further RESOLVED that the First Selectman, and or his designee( s) on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, is hereby authorized to execute any documents and to take any actions necessary or appropriate to effectuate and finalize the foregoing."