Illinois residents can find unique items and countless bargains at State's Surplus Property Auction on May 17

SPRINGFIELD - Residents from across the state are sure to find bargains and unique items at the State of Illinois' Surplus Property Auction being held on Wednesday, May 17.  The auction will feature items including tractors, construction equipment, tools, computers, and furniture among many other items.  Altogether, thousands of items will be liquidated as the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) sells items no longer used by state government.

"Whether you are looking for farm equipment or a computer, you can find great bargains on items no longer used by state government at the state's Surplus Property Auctions.  Unused equipment doesn't need to stockpile in a warehouse, and that's why we should sell this property to generate a return for Illinois taxpayers.  It's efforts like these that help Gov. Blagojevich heighten revenue and keep his pledge to not raise taxes," said Paul Campbell, director of CMS.

The May 17 auction will take place at the State Surplus Property Warehouse, 1924 South 10 ½ Street in Springfield, Illinois, with registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. and auction beginning at 8 a.m.  Interested bidders can inspect items on Monday, May 15 and Tuesday, May 16 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

Specific items being auctioned include:
• International 2400 tractor, Ford 1100 Tractor, and four John Deere 301 tractors, 
• Polaris Big Boss 6X4 and John Deere 6X4 Gator,
• Four construction trailers (for 5th wheel semis),
• Two Mott hammer knife mowers, brush, finish, and flail mowers, straight and V snow blades,
• Yates American 24" planer, Monarch heavy duty lathe, air hammers and bits, and engine stands,
• Clark walk behind electric forklift, Whitney hydraulic cutter, welders and power washers,
• Paddle boats, stainless steel radar/light arches for boats,
• Wheel chairs, potters wheels, and books,
• IBM main frame computers, and computer equipment including laptops,
• Desks, filing cabinets, chairs, typewriters, copy machines, various office machines, and miscellaneous equipment and furniture.

Bidders may pay for purchases with cash, MasterCard or Visa, as well as with cashiers check, money order, or traveler's checks in increments of $100 or less.  Business or personal checks are also accepted, but must be supported by a letter of credit from a financial institution that includes the maximum amount of credit approved through a specific date.  These letters should also state that they cover the purchase price of State of Illinois property only; all letters of credit must be approved prior to the sale.  Two types of identification must also be provided, including one with a photograph.

The State reserves the right to reject any payment or identification of a bidder if it appears it may not be in the best interest of the State of Illinois.  All buyers must take possession of property purchased immediately upon conclusion of the auction.  The State of Illinois is not responsible for accidents or loss. All sales are final.

Through the past year, the surplus property program produced strong results by posting more than $1.1 million in sales.  Additionally, the state has hosted ongoing auctions at www.ibid.illinois.gov that have generated more than $750,000 in sales since August of 2003.  To learn more about the state's Surplus Property Program, visit www.cms.illinois.gov or call 1-217-785-6903.

About Central Management Services
In 2003, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich instructed CMS to streamline the state's operations, share resources and save taxpayer money while improving the business services of state government.  By bringing private-sector discipline to its public-sector mission, the department leads the cost-effective administration of purchasing, property management, information technology, telecommunications, internal audit and outside legal services for the state's executive agencies, personnel and benefits for all state employees and retirees, and the state's employee and vendor diversity programs.

Deloitte Consulting recently validated that CMS achieved $529 million in savings - through its efforts in FY04 and FY05 alone - as it implemented new technologies, reduced waste and rethought many of the administrative operations of the state.