Speedway council approves wastewater oxygen supply deal, firefighter contract, salary ordinance and budget claims

Nick Sturgeon, president of the Speedway Town Council, called a special meeting April 2 and the council unanimously approved multiple agreements and budget items affecting the town’s wastewater operations, fire department pay and fiscal records.

The council approved a product supply agreement with Linde Gas & Equipment Inc. for bulk liquid oxygen used at the wastewater treatment plant, a labor contract with the Speedway Professional Firefighters Association Local 416 effective Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026, an ordinance amending 2025 job and salary schedules for fire positions, and a resolution adjusting employer pickup of mandatory member pension contributions for the Speedway Fire Department. The council also received the 2024 TIF annual report and approved claims and utility adjustments covering $3,029,907.32 in disbursements.

Why it matters: The oxygen contract and energy-efficiency buying work are intended to reduce operational costs at the wastewater plant; the firefighter agreement and related salary ordinance implement negotiated pay and benefits changes that affect town payroll and retiree contributions. Council members also flagged budget risk from property-tax uncertainty during the contract discussion.

Wastewater oxygen agreement Grama Kleinhans, town manager, explained the contract with Linde as part of the town’s energy-efficiency project with Leopardo Group, which negotiated lower supply…