Council authorizes emergency purchase of two generators for wells, cites long lead times and ARPA funding

The Cortland City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance O-05-25, an emergency ordinance amending Ordinance O-79-24 to authorize the service director to purchase two generators from Buckeye Power for city water well pumps and for incorporation into the proposed new safety services complex. The ordinance passed by roll-call vote.

Council members and staff said the purchase is being advanced on an emergency basis because vendor lead times for the generators are long and prices are rising; the city wants the units on hand in time for building incorporation. Staff told the council that some of the original purchase and construction funding used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money and that the new additional funds for the generators will likely come from the water fund (described at the meeting as the "water waterfall"). A staff presenter said existing ARPA funds previously allocated to the project are already encumbered.

No invoice was reported as immediately due; finance staff (Patty) said the purchase will require an increased purchase order and that current invoices are covered by existing purchase orders. The ordinance was presented as an emergency to secure procurement lead times.

The council approved the emergency ordinance. Staff said the city intends to integrate the generators into the new safety services building construction schedule and will return with purchase-order documentation.