Council approves budget transfer to fund sewage treatment pump repairs

The Binghamton City Council voted unanimously to approve Introductory Ordinance O25-55, amending the 2025 sewage treatment plant budget to increase the equipment line for pump repair. Council Member Kavanaugh moved the ordinance; the roll call recorded seven "Aye" votes and no opposition.

Council members said the vote followed reports of a "pretty serious pump failure" at the plant and that the transfer would provide a backup and allow the plant to address urgent repairs. Councilors referenced additional pump upgrades that are not in the capital projects list and said those would be addressed in a forthcoming request from the sewage treatment plant.

A roll-call vote recorded the following yes votes: Council Member Rathmell, Council Member Madovetsky, Council Member Hotchkiss, Council Member Kavanaugh, Council Member Middleton, Council Member Murray, and Council President Dunton. The motion passed 7-0.

Discussion versus decision: Council discussion described the failure and the need for a backup pump; the formal action was the budget amendment O25-55 to increase the equipment line. No amendments to the ordinance text were recorded during the vote.

Next steps: With council approval, the ordinance proceeds through any remaining administrative steps required for budget transfers. The meeting did not specify an implementation timetable for the repairs.