(A) An abandoned or unauthorized motor vehicle and contents taken into custody by the city or any impound lot and not reclaimed under § 95.05 may be disposed of or sold at auction or sale when eligible pursuant to § 95.05. The purchaser shall be given a receipt in a form prescribed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, which shall be sufficient title to dispose of the vehicle. The receipt shall also entitle the purchaser to register the vehicle and receive a certificate of title, free and clear of all liens and claims of ownership. Before such a vehicle is issued a new certificate of title, it must receive a motor vehicle safety check.
(B) From the proceeds of the sale of an abandoned or unauthorized motor vehicle by the city or public impound lot, the city shall reimburse itself for the cost of towing, preserving and storing the vehicle, and all administrative, notice and publication costs incurred pursuant to this subchapter. Any remainder from the proceeds of a sale shall be held for the owner of the vehicle or entitled lien holder for 90 days and then shall be deposited in the General Fund of the city.
(C) The operator of a nonpublic impound lot may retain any proceeds from a sale derived from a sale conducted under the authority of this chapter. The operator may retain all proceeds from the sale of any personal belongings and contents in the vehicle that were not claimed by the owner or the owner's agent before the sale; except that any suspected contraband or other items that likely would be subject to forfeiture in a criminal trial must be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
(Ord. 021, fourth series, passed 5-21-2024)