In an insightful conversation with Jason Bobst, township manager for West Norriton, we unearth the intriguing journey of turning municipal surplus into community success. He reveals strategic approaches for making the most out of taxpayer dollars, the significance of municipalities embracing modern tech, and the unique historical qualities of West Norriton Township.
Embracing Modern Technology for Enhanced Asset Disposal
Prior to Municibid, selling government surplus was a difficult process. The township had a much smaller audience, with those partaking in the auction reading about listings in the local paper. If you didn’t read the paper, you were out of the loop. With advancements in technology, there were more opportunities to connect with buyers through websites and apps.
“We've sold items to people in Canada and all over the place, just because the internet's a great thing because it connects you to more people than the traditional newspaper process would.”
“When it comes to government surplus items, I think it has a bigger market for it because I think they know it’s taken care of and these are quality items. And I like the interaction with it too because if people ask questions, you can answer them immediately. If they ask for additional pictures on something that's listed, or you know, have a question on hours on a mower or a golf cart or truck, you have that more immediate connection with them to answer those questions. And I think it gives them more peace of mind than going in blind on a sealed bid process through the newspaper process.” - Jason Bobst
With the limitation of sealed bids behind them, West Norriton can now streamline the disposal process, and garner higher revenues because the bidding competition drives up item value. Though, aside from the fiscal benefits, Jason maintains that divesting of government surplus is a must regardless.
“I think it's being good stewards of the taxpayer dollars. I equate this to almost being like a parent and the residents are our parents and we get an allowance. You gotta make sure you spend your money the right way. When our items come to their end, their useful life, we want to make sure we get the best return from it and using, Municibid, it gets you your biggest return on your investment…‘Cause in the grand scheme of things, our items, we're not selling junk in a way. We're selling good quality items that some people can put to use for a second time or a third.”
“We sold a dump truck a couple years ago to a landscaper and it became a plow truck for the Philadelphia Eagles parking lot. And it was pretty cool being able to go down to the Eagles game and point to that truck and say, ‘I remember that truck when that was our salt truck.’” - Jason Bobst
Fostering a Strong Community Through Historical Preservation
Since its inception, West Norriton Township has been closely tied to its history. A fact that many people like Jason still appreciate today. What began as Norriton Township split in 1909, becoming East Norriton Township and West Norriton Township. At the center of town was Jeffersonville, named after none other than Thomas Jefferson himself. Among other historical things, Jason also appreciates the municipal-owned golf course.
“Prior to the 1930s it was a horse farm called the Montgomery County Riding Academy. And then the owners of the course were the Evans family. They hired an architect by the name of Donald Ross to design our golf course. If anyone knows the golf game, Donald Ross is probably one of the most premier golf architects from the 1920s and 1930s. He designed Aronimink, Pinehurst, some of the bigger courses that are country clubs across the country. So we have a unique opportunity where we own one of the few publicly owned Donald Ross designed golf courses. We get people from across the country that come in here to play the course. Our superintendent and our staff out there do a really good job of keeping it in its design.” - Jason Bobst
He’s beyond grateful to both work and live where he does. In fact, Jason can’t think of any other place he would rather be. The township’s community appreciates history and one another. No surprise they attract so many visitors year after year.
Adapting to Change While Retaining Community Values
Having used Municibid for over a decade, West Norriton Township stands as a testament to the positive outcomes of embracing change while remaining steadfast to community values. This locale has cherished history, while making the most of new technology. Now, whether at home or within their small businesses, even more residents benefit from the government surplus. With the funds the government makes, the lower taxes are for residents. Not only that, but with access to platforms like Municibid, the township can not just be the seller, but the buyer too, potentially building a network of community far beyond West Norriton.
