Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $13,156 purchase of spectrophotometer for utilities lab
Summary
Port Richey City Council approved buying a Hach DR 6000 spectrophotometer to expand in‑house water testing capacity, following staff testimony about regulatory and labor benefits.
Port Richey City Council voted to approve the utility department’s purchase of a Hach DR 6000 spectrophotometer from U.S. Blue Book for $13,156.
City Manager Andrew Butterfield and utility staff said the instrument will allow the department to run a broader array of in‑house tests, improving speed and accuracy and reducing the need to outsource laboratory analysis. Butterfield described the purchase as above the administrative threshold for council approval and recommended the purchase to improve operational capability.
Public commenters including Dave Mueller and resident Eric Hammond urged that future capital purchases include a clear cost‑benefit analysis showing labor or outsourcing offsets; councilmembers asked staff to include that detail in future business cases.
Council action: a motion to approve the Hach DR 6000 purchase passed by voice vote. Staff said they will finalize procurement and report back on implementation and expected operating savings, if any.
