Wasco Municipal Code Ch. 2.44 Lost or Abandoned PROPERTY1

Sections: 2.44.010 Care--Minimum holding period. 2.44.020 Return to owner. 2.44.030 Auction--When. 2.44.040 Auction--Notice. 2.44.050 Sale--Disposition of funds. 2.44.060 Destruction when.

The chief of police is authorized and directed to care for all found and unclaimed property coming into the possession of the police department, and he is to hold same for a minimum period of six months. (Ord. 89 §1, 1960).

All property held as provided in Section 2.44.010 shall be returned to the lawful owner thereof, subject to any costs or charges that may have been incurred in the storing or caring for said property. (Ord. 89 §2, 1960).

All property which is unclaimed within the six-month holding period shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. The auction shall be conducted by an officer of the police department. (Ord. 89 §3, 1960).

Prior to the public auction of unclaimed property in possession of the police department, the chief of police shall cause a notice of such sale to be given at least five days before the time fixed therefor, by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county of Kern, state of California. The notice shall state the nature of the sale, and the time and place where the auction will be conducted. (Ord. 89 §4, 1960).

All funds received from the sale of unclaimed property, as provided in this chapter, shall be immediately delivered and turned over to the city clerk. (Ord. 89 §5, 1960).

The chief of police is authorized and empowered to destroy any property that remains unsold at any such public auction, if in his opinion the property is valueless. (Ord. 89 §6, 1960).

1 For statutory provisions on lost and unclaimed property, see Civil Code §2080 et seq.