The auctioneer’s call sealed the deal, as hundreds of people turned out to the City of Weslaco’s annual auction on Saturday morning.
"Last year we made about $100,000,” Purchasing Manager Homer Rhodes said. “This year they gave me an estimate of between $20,000 and $30,000."
Shoppers like Lianna Carrizales turned out hoping to find good deals.
As an example, during the action, the city sold a 2004 BMW for $6000.
"I wanted the car but it was too much money," she said.
Some of the items were seized by the police department; others were no longer used by the city.
Carrizales, like other shoppers, settled for more modest items.
"I'm here because I want to see some of the chairs," she said.
This year's auction drew more than 300 people, more than any other year.
Rhodes said the bad economy was likely the reason.
"People want a good deal, and if you look around we have a lot of good deals," she said.
The money from confiscated items will go to the police department, the rest to the city's general fund.
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