Boise, Idaho (AP) — Idaho aims to unload $70,000 in surplus furniture that once filled the never-occupied governor's mansion before it was returned to potato mogul J.R. Simplot's family this year.

The Spokesman-Review reports the furnishings include two bedroom sets, dining furniture, wall art and kitchen supplies.

The Idaho Governors Housing Committee Wednesday decided to dispose of the items that are now costing about $318 a month to store.

That's after the state gave the hilltop mansion back to the Simplots last summer as maintenance costs for the vacant home reached nearly $180,000 annually, threatening to drain a fund that covers the state's chief executive's housing expenses.

In lieu of an official residence, Idaho now pays its governor a $4,500-a-month housing stipend.

State lawyers are figuring out just how to sell the things.

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