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Committee approves $551,000 purchase of sewer-cleaning machine for wastewater utility
Summary
The committee authorized a $551,000 purchase for a sewer cleaning machine after staff said trade-in returns were lower this year and the utilities department expects greater value by surplusing the old unit itself.
The Topeka City Infrastructure Committee authorized the Utilities Department on May 20 to purchase a new sewer cleaning machine for just over $551,000, citing lower trade-in offers this year and an anticipated higher return by surplusing the old unit independently.
Director Davis told the committee that the department traditionally replaces one machine each year and trades in the old unit to reduce cost, with a typical replacement cycle of five to six years. This year, the department said trade-in offers were not comparable to previous years, so staff recommended a higher purchase price offset by direct surplus sales of the older machine.
Councilwoman Ortiz moved approval; Councilwoman Alford seconded. The committee voted to approve the purchase.
Utilities staff said the purchase will be funded from the wastewater utility operating account and that the higher price reflects market conditions and changing resale expectations for heavy equipment. Staff did not provide a surplus timeline or expected net trade-in amount at the committee meeting.
