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Leitchfield utilities commissioners approve routine items, order 100 meters and replace failed pump
Summary
At its Sept. 4 meeting, the Leitchfield Utilities Commission approved minutes, a short bill list and the June 2025 unaudited financial statement; authorized purchase of 100 water meters as phase one of a 400‑meter program; and approved buying a replacement high‑service pump after a failure at the water plant.
Leitchfield Utilities Commission members on Thursday approved routine consent items, agreed to buy 100 water meters and authorized purchase of a replacement high‑service pump after equipment failure at the water plant.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the draft minutes of the Aug. 21 meeting, to ratify the bill list for the fourth‑of‑the‑month cycle and to accept the June 2025 financial statement as presented. Those June figures are unaudited, the commission noted.
Why it matters: The meter purchase and pump replacement affect day‑to‑day water service and short‑term budget planning for the utilities department. The pump decision also responds to an equipment failure that temporarily reduced plant capacity and required an expedited procurement decision.
Commissioners moved quickly through project updates before turning to two operational purchases. On a multi‑month gas grant, staff said they have been added to recurring check‑in meetings and that the city arranged calendar invites to ensure day‑to‑day operations staff are included. The commission also discussed ongoing bypass construction near Westlake Drive, including work to relocate a 6‑inch line and a possible easement request from a car wash. Commission members noted the county water board had placed signage under U.S. 62 at Rock Crusher Hill.
On meters, utilities staff said the department plans to buy 400 meters in total and has proposed purchasing them in 100‑unit increments. The commission approved the first order of 100 meters; staff said the unit price is "just a shade over $200" and that the 100‑meter order represents roughly a $20,000 purchase. A commission member moved the purchase; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The commission then addressed a pump failure in the water plant's high‑service system. Superintendent David (last name not specified in the transcript) explained one of three high‑service pumps failed after a power interruption and subsequent restart; damage produced smoke and the unit needed repair or replacement. Staff reported two vendor options: a rebuild for $17,500 with a 4–6 week turnaround, or a factory‑stock replacement available in 1–2 weeks for a higher price (the transcript gives the replacement quote as "21 to 5," an amount not specified). Warranties for both options were stated as three years.
Superintendent David recommended buying the replacement unit to restore capacity quickly; the commission voted to take the superintendent's recommendation and proceed with the purchase. Commissioners noted the department could keep the failed unit and consider rebuilding it in a later fiscal year to serve as a backup.
Other business included reminders about a chamber luncheon the next week and the annual chamber dinner on Sept. 25; commissioners were asked to notify city staff (Lori) about attendance. The meeting adjourned after a unanimous voice vote.
Votes at a glance: - Approve draft minutes (Aug. 21): motion by Mister Ali; second by Mister Blaine; outcome: approved (voice vote). Vote tally: not specified. - Ratify bill list (fourth‑of‑month list): motion by Mister Farris; second by Mayor Miller; outcome: approved (voice vote). Vote tally: not specified. - Approve June 2025 financial statement (unaudited): motion by Mister Blaine; second by Mayor Miller; outcome: approved (voice vote). Vote tally: not specified. - Purchase 100 water meters (first tranche of 400): motion by Mister Farris; second by Mister Alley; outcome: approved (voice vote). Cost: "just a shade over $200" per meter; total ~ $20,000 for 100 meters. - Approve superintendent’s recommendation to buy replacement high‑service pump: motion by Mister Blaine; second by Mister Farris; outcome: approved (voice vote). Motion notes: rebuild cost quoted at $17,500 (4–6 week lead time); replacement quoted in transcript as "21 to 5" (amount not specified) with 1–2 week delivery; both options reported as having a three‑year warranty.
Ending: The commission directed staff to continue coordinating with the Kentucky/area Department of Transportation contacts on bypass work and to proceed with the approved purchases and follow‑up procurement steps.
