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Valdosta council approves $239,475 purchase of variable frequency drives for master lift stations
Summary
Council approved staff’s recommendation to purchase PowerFlex drives from Rockwell Automation to replace soft starts at the Garnto and Reimer master lift stations, a $239,475 sole-source purchase intended to reduce pump starts and protect equipment.
VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Valdosta Mayor and Council approved staff’s request to purchase variable frequency drives (VFDs) from Rockwell Automation for the Garnto and Reimer master lift stations in a sole-source procurement totaling $239,475.
Jason (staff member) said the stations, installed in 2016, currently use voltage-reduced soft-start contactors powering 385-horsepower pumps that cycle 4–6 times per hour. The new PowerFlex 755 drives would allow staff to vary pump speed and substantially reduce start/stop cycles—Jason said the change would move start/stop events “from 4 to 6 times an hour to once a week during normal flow.”
Why it matters: Reducing pump cycling lowers the risk of water hammer and damage to force mains and other infrastructure, and it also reduces headworks wear from rags and grit. Jason said the proposal would replace four of eight soft-starts now and that staff budgeted to replace the remaining four in FY 2026.
Details: Rockwell Automation was presented as the sole-source bidder. Staff said delivery would take about six to eight weeks and installation about one week. The council asked about warranties and delivery; staff responded that drives carry standard warranties and estimated 6–8 weeks delivery.
Action: Council made a motion to approve the purchase; a second was made and the item passed by a show of hands.
