Polson holds annual bike auction

Dozens of people turned out to the Polson City shop last week, in hopes of claiming or buying a new bicycle.

Walter Eggebrecht, a foreman for the city’s parks, said that there were 45 bikes at the city’s garage at the corner of Eleventh Street East and First Street.

When the city receives a call about a bike or other property that needs to be collected, city employees retrieve the items and store them at the compound, Eggebrecht said.

Other items that are confiscated and not picked up by owners are also included in the auction.

Any items that city employees or law enforcement collect must be kept for 90 days, giving owners time to claim their property.

Polson Police Chief Wade Nash said that usually, the auction is held during weekends but the turnout hasn’t been great over the years, prompting the idea to hold the auction on a weekday.

Eggebrecht said that anyone interested in bidding on items makes their bid, while Nash explained that those claiming their property must provide proof of ownership.

“They can’t just say, ‘that’s my bike.’ They’ve got to be able to prove” it’s their bike or item, Nash added.

Items not claimed or sold are donated or, in some instances where they are not functional, go to the landfill, Nash said.

To help law enforcement identify stolen property, whether at the scene of an incident or left around the city, Nash said he encourages owners to take record of their belongings.

“I encourage people to keep serial numbers on their bikes and their valuables, because that way you can prove ownership.”

Money generated by the auction is put into the city’s general fund.