Any unclaimed personal property, other than animals, which remains in the possession of the chief of police, unclaimed, or the ownership of which is not to him satisfactorily established, for a period of thirty (30) days, shall be sold, and the proceeds of the sale shall be paid over to the city clerk, who shall issue his receipt therefor, and deposit the same to the credit of the general fund of the city, except such personal property as in the opinion of the mayor can be more advantageously used by some department or office of the city government. Ten (10) days before a sale of such unclaimed property, the chief of police shall sign and have posted in a conspicuous place in the city clerk's office, where it will be plainly visible to persons who visit that office, notice of the time, place, and manner of such sale, and general description of the property to be sold. However, if in the opinion of the mayor, all or any portion of the personal property may be more advantageously used in any city department or office, he shall so instruct the chief of police in writing, and the chief shall thereupon deliver the personal property designated to that department or office of city government and make a permanent record of its disposition.