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Council rejects motion to seek bids on used sewer jet unit amid budget concerns
Summary
After discussion about age and capabilities of existing equipment, the Stevensville Town Council voted unanimously to reject permission to bid on a used sewer jet unit that had appeared on a surplus sale.
The Stevensville Town Council on July 16 voted 0–3 to reject a motion to permit bidding on a used sewer jet unit offered as surplus by another municipality.
Council member Barker moved to approve permission to bid on the unit; Council member Brown seconded. Council members voted “no” (Barker, Brown, Smith), and the motion failed. The motion on the record was: “Make a motion to approve permission to bid on a sewers Sewer Jackson.”
Why it matters: proponents argued a newer trailer-mounted jet unit would reduce the need for operators with commercial driver licenses, lower maintenance complexity and improve performance. Public works staff said the town’s current jet truck is 36 years old but still operable; the proposed surplus unit was described as 13 years old and easier to operate. The seller had dropped the asking price from $40,000 to $25,000; staff said comparable trailer-mounted units were found online for about $115,000.
Fiscal concerns and competing capital needs drove opposition. Several council members said they were uneasy approving a purchase or bid before the budget was finalized; councilors also flagged other capital needs at the sewer plant, including SCADA/computer replacement. Public works director Steve (identified in the meeting) described operational advantages of the trailer-mounted unit but acknowledged the existing truck “cranks” and “runs.”
No further action was taken; staff were not directed to re-file a bid request at the meeting.
