City Of Tulsa Surplus Auction Draws Big Crowd

Tulsa put more than 2,000 items on the auction block Saturday.

Fast-talking and quick bidding was the scene at the City of Tulsa Surplus Auction.

The sale drew in big crowds. Some shoppers traveled long distances to get good deals.

“I actually flew in from Los Angeles for this auction,” said attendee Jim Mitchell.

Mitchell, an actor, grew up near Bartlesville. He lives in California now but still has land in Oklahoma, and today, he's hoping to land himself a used pickup truck.

“My old farm truck up in Nowata County's falling apart because I drive it up and down the gravel roads all the time,” explained Mitchell.

The trucks, cars and big equipment are typically the hottest items.

Tulsa purchasing agent Larry Hood says some things go for$20,000 and others $1.00.

“This sale, we're lucky because most of these will start and show the bidders they can run,” said Hood.

Everything on the auction block is owned by the city or related entities.

Some items were confiscated from police; others are things Tulsa no longer needs, like a Zamboni, which cleans and smooths ice.

“The Zamboni's from the convention center,” stated Hood.

Regardless of what you're bidding on, Tulsa resident Ronell Edd says the secret to winning is staying the course.             

“In order to land a good deal, you have to have patience and I've got plenty of that,” said Edd. “I've got more time than I've got money.”

Tulsa has two auctions each year. Together they bring in about $750,000. That money goes back into the city's budget.