GEORGETOWN, Del., Jan. 19, 2006 – Sussex County’s general fund is $2,000 more to the good, and local communities have improved access to technology, compliments of a recent surplus property sale.

The county collected that amount after selling dozens of surplus computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and other office equipment during a two-day property sale held Jan. 12 and Jan. 13. Officials said the sale was a good opportunity to recover some of the cost of equipment that was in good working order, but no longer needed.

“We’re very pleased with the turnout, and the response from the public,” said Frank Shade, purchasing agent for Sussex County. “And everybody that got something seems to be happy.”

Figures from the sale are not finalized, because some items remain unsold. Leftover equipment now will go to auction at Wilson’s Auction Sales, along U.S. 113 near Lincoln, beginning at 2 p.m. Jan. 28. The proceeds from that event, along with the sale of about 20 surplus vehicles slated to go to auction at a later date, will raise the total income of the surplus sale in the end, Mr. Shade said.

“The last time we did this, about a year ago, it brought in $22,000,” Mr. Shade said. “We would expect close to the same.”

Not everything, though, is headed to auction. Thirteen computer systems, five printer/fax machines and one copier were donated to the non-profit First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown. The social services organization is using the much-needed equipment for community outreach programs, such as after-school homework assistance, at six community centers throughout the county.

Those centers are located in West Rehoboth, Cool Spring, Pinetown, Coverdale Crossroads, Polly Branch and Ellendale.

Bernice Edwards, executive director of First State, said the computer equipment would be very useful. She said she is grateful for the donation.

“This just shows another way that the partnership between First State and the county is bringing needed services to the communities,” Ms. Edwards said. “I think this donation will bring technology to people and communities who might not otherwise have that kind of access in their homes.”