It is also unlawful for any county official or employee to purchase from the county any property declared to be surplus by the county except by bid at public auction or competitive sealed bid during the tenure of such person's office or employment, or for six months thereafter.  T.C.A. § 5-1-125.  A violation of this statute is a Class A misdemeanor.  See  Op. Tenn. Atty. Gen. 03-131 (October 3, 2003).