King George County Service Authority approves $76,731 microscreen purchase, names officers

The King George County Service Authority (KGCSA) board voted on Jan. 7 to purchase a new microscreen for the Dahlgren Wastewater Treatment Plant at a quoted price of $71,731 plus an estimated $5,000 freight charge, bringing the total to $76,731. The board also completed its organizational business, electing Kathy Bender as chair and Lee Robotham as vice chair, and appointed Norma (Norma) Fish as interim secretary/treasurer until the authority’s bylaws are revised.

KGCSA staff said the existing microscreen is roughly 13 years old and has been repaired repeatedly; repairs were quoted at $45,960, about 64% of the cost of a new unit. John Eisenbeis, who presented the item, described the microscreen’s role: “Picture an escalator. As the trash comes in with the wastewater, it picks it up and and runs it up and then puts it in a dumpster.” He said the plant’s design requires the specific equipment and that the vendor is sole source because the screen must interface with the facility’s existing grinder. Eisenbeis also stated the new unit carries a one-year warranty and has a 26‑week lead time.

Board members voted by roll call to approve the purchase with freight; the motion passed with all members present voting aye. The board directed staff to include the freight cost in the purchase authorization and to proceed with ordering the unit.

Separately, the KGCSA board adopted organizational rules and a schedule for 2025, with a staff direction to work on consolidating and amending the authority’s governing documents so the secretary and treasurer roles can be separated in future revisions. Norma Fish agreed to serve as secretary/treasurer on an interim basis while the documents are amended.