County staff recommend installing 10-horsepower pump and VFD after well testing estimate

County staff reported Sept. 2 on options to address a county well that requires improved pumping capacity. A contractor, American Pumps, provided a written estimate proposing installation of a 10-horsepower pump with a variable frequency drive (VFD) and a control panel; staff said total installed cost including electrician work would be about $36,000.

Staff said the formal test to locate the existing pump and evaluate well performance would cost $10,000–$15,000. The contractor’s recommendation — to install the 10-horsepower pump and VFD now — would produce operating data while avoiding the separate test cost because pull and replacement work would reveal pump depth and well characteristics during installation.

Commissioners asked about electrical panel costs and the need for an electrician; staff confirmed the estimate excludes electrical installation and that the panel alone is a substantial portion of the cost. No formal purchase authorization was recorded at the meeting; staff said they will keep the item on the list and bring options back for funding and scheduling.