A state board fined two central Maine auctioneers and pulled the license of one after recent hearings in Augusta.

The Board of Licensing of Auctioneers fined former auctioneer James D. Cyr Auction Co. of Gray $30,000 for violations of various state laws, according to a written release Tuesday. Cyr’s license was revoked by the board last year. It also imposed sanctions against him in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The board also fined auctioneer Thomas Madsen of Windham $37,700 and revoked his license.

The bonds of both men were claimed by the board. The companies were charged $3,000 apiece for the cost of the hearings.

The board responded to five claims made by Cyr’s auction customers whose complaints earlier this year stemmed from auctions held last year. One of the five was owed more than $21,000; another was owed $3,700, board spokeswoman Carol Leighton said Tuesday. The others were eventually paid. Cyr’s agreements with the consignors said he would pay them within 45 days of the auction. Cyr told the board it was his practice to pay consignors proceeds from sales of their items from money he collected at subsequent auctions.

Cyr also was fined for violation of advertising laws and regulations, Leighton said.

Madsen was found to be auctioning goods without a contract; committing advertising violations, aiding or abetting an unlicensed practice by Cyr and failing to account for or remit money within a reasonable time, along with other violations, Leighton wrote in a release.

Madsen testified that he lent Cyr his license so that his company could continue to operate.

“Most auctioneers in Maine are honest and competent,” said Anne Head, commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. “But those who violate Maine law will be held accountable. We won’t tolerate dishonest and unprofessional conduct that poses a threat to Maine consumers.”

She urged customers to take the following steps before engaging the services of an auctioneer:

• Confirm the auctioneer’s license status online at www.maine.gov/professionallicensing or by calling 207-624-8603.

• Do not transfer control of your property to the auctioneer without a written contract. State law requires a written contract between the auctioneer and consignor before the auction may be conducted.

• If the consignor doesn’t receive payment within the time specified in the contract, contact the board.