Agenda - 08-15-2000-8h - Laserfiche WebLink

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For the first time since the County has been purchasing desktop computers, a significant number will have fairly good residual use for limited applications. For that reason, we are proposing that these units be declared surplus from the County, but made available to non-profit organizations that the County may fund and who request the equipment. Laws governing the method whereby surplus is carried out precludes us from "giving away" property purchased with public funds, however, we have established a precedent whereby the computers can be considered an "in-kind" contribution to the recipient agency. We propose that staff develop a set of criteria, which the Board is asked to approve, whereby the Board could authorize the re- allocation of computers to requesting agencies. The Board would be asked to approve the reallocation action at a future meeting. Suggested evaluation criteria include, but may not be limited to the following: • Recipient agency receives funds from the County; and • Recipient agency must have 501-C3 status; • Recipient must state intended purpose of the computer(s) so that evaluators can determine software compatibility with the units intended for transfer. • Equipment must be used directly for programs of the recipient agency for no less than one year following transfer. • Additional criteria as the Board may think appropriate. Evaluation of a request for equipment would be carried out by County staff to include at least the IS Director and the Purchasing Agent, as well as any other staff member who can offer expertise in evaluating the specific program for which equipment is requested. Requests for equipment could be sent to the Purchasing, Department, since that department is tasked with maintaining the list of surplus equipment and could speak to the availability of equipment. Non-profit agencies for whom the Board has approved reallocation of computers would be notified by the IS Department when,the computer is available for pick up. The County would continue to notify both School Districts regarding the availability of surplus computers before they are made available for reallocation to non-profit agencies. FINANCIAL IMPACT: If the Board chooses to support the reallocation plan of computers to non-profit agencies, we would anticipate reduced revenue from. the auction of approximately $2,000. Auction proceeds generally run in the range of $25,000-$30,000, which proceeds become General Fund revenue. Funds for the sale of abandoned and confiscated property will be evenly divided between the two school systems after deducting for expenses, as provided in the North Carolina Statutes. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: • Approve the resolution; and • Approve the criteria for reallocation of computer equipment; and • Authorize staff to bring back recommendations to the Board for reallocation of certain surplus personal computers.