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Finance committee approves sole‑source polymer purchase for Wausau Water Works
Summary
The Finance Committee approved a sole‑source purchase of alum (polymer) from Midwest Chemical and Equipment to maintain sludge‑thickening operations at the Wausau wastewater treatment plant. Staff said the product is already in use, compatible with belt thickeners and within the approved budget.
The Wausau Finance Committee voted March 11 to approve a sole‑source purchase request for polymer (alum) from Midwest Chemical and Equipment for use at the city wastewater treatment plant.
Committee members heard from Eric Hennett, a utilities staff member, who said the department tested different blends and the polymer from Midwest Chemical and Equipment “worked the best for thickening the sludge” in the plant’s belt thickeners. He said the product is recommended for the facility’s thickeners and that the purchase is within the department’s approved budget.
The matter was put forward for approval and a motion to adopt the sole‑source purchase passed with voice vote. Alder Henke moved to approve; Alder Tierney seconded.
Why it matters: Using the same polymer across operations helps keep treatment processes consistent, staff said, and avoids cross‑compatibility issues that can arise when multiple blends are used. The committee’s approval lets the utilities department continue with the supplier it has been using and budgeted for.
Details: Hennett told the committee that several years ago different companies supplied blends and the department settled on the current formula because of superior thickening performance. The purchase was described in the staff packet as budgeted; committee members did not request further competitive bidding for this specific item.
The committee moved on to its next agenda items after the vote.
