Bloomington Schedules Public Hearing on Reformed Municipal Property Disposition Code

BLOOMINGTON, MN — The Bloomington City Council published formal notice Thursday scheduling an August 31 statutory public hearing on proposed ordinance amendments governing the donation, sale, and disposition of surplus municipal equipment and abandoned property.

Municipal Code Modernization and Non-Profit Transfers

The draft ordinance updates Chapter 2 of the Bloomington City Code, establishing structured criteria for the direct transfer of retired municipal vehicles, surplus computer hardware, and maintenance equipment to certified 501(c)(3) community organizations. Under current rules, all surplus assets exceeding $1,000 in market value must be sold at public auction, precluding direct donations to local charitable groups and youth programs.

The revised code introduces competitive non-profit grant applications for surplus city assets while preserving mandatory online public auctions for heavy commercial machinery.

Public Transparency and Audit Provisions

The ordinance incorporates strict transparency provisions requiring the City Manager to publish an itemized annual surplus disposition ledger and mandating biennial audits by the city finance department.

Community service non-profits welcomed the proposed framework, noting that surplus IT equipment can significantly expand digital literacy labs in community centers.

Hearing Process and Council Action

The public hearing will take place during the regular City Council meeting on August 31, 2026, with the revised property disposition code taking effect October 1.