NEWS

From the County of San Bernardino

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2000

For more information, contact

Terrie Williams, Children’s Network

(909) 387-0206

or

County Public Information Officer David Wert

(909) 387-4082

County extends deadline to apply for surplus goods

Non-profit and faith-based organizations have until Aug. 14 to apply for a place on a list of organizations eligible to receive surplus county equipment, furniture and other supplies.

The deadline had been set at Aug. 4 but has been extended so the word can reach more agencies in the county.

Each month, County departments return unneeded desks, chairs, cabinets, typewriters and other office equipment to the county Purchasing Department, which in turn offers them to other county departments. Items not claimed for county use are offered at public auctions usually held three times a year. The auctions generate about $45,000 per year.

But last year, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance allowing community-based organizations serving San Bernardino County residents to claim surplus items valued at less than $1,000 before they are put up for auction.

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Surplus Goods

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In adopting the ordinance, supervisors concluded that such organizations provide services that people might otherwise seek from the county. Therefore, it benefits the county to support to these organizations.

The county also largely credits its successful implementation of welfare reform to the willingness of community-based organizations to enter into partnerships with the county to assist people in becoming self-sufficient. Various organizations provide education, counseling, child care and a host of other services to county residents who would otherwise be unable to work or participate in job-training programs.

Organizations have until Aug. 14, 2000, to apply for a place on the list of organizations eligible to receive the surplus county property. Organizations that qualified for the most recent list will need to re-apply so that the County can make note of any changes.

To be eligible, organizations must produce their articles of incorporation. Additionally, non-profit organizations must show a letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service establishing their non-profit status. Faith-based organizations, generally churches, must show a letter from the IRS establishing their tax-exempt status.

Organizations interested in applying for a place on the list can contact Terrie Williams with the County of San Bernardino Children’s Network at (909) 387-0206.

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