Council authorizes $254,188 payment for leased pumps damaged in Hurricane Helene

The Clearwater City Council on Jan. 16 authorized a final rental and settlement payment not to exceed $254,188.40 to United States North America Inc. for a diesel-powered portable pump rented and used by the city from June 1 through Nov. 30, 2024, and declared eight flood-damaged motors and pumps surplus.

Marcus Williamson, the city's public works director, said the payment covers rental and loss of pumps that were damaged while deployed for storm response during Hurricane Helene. "This item was, to pay for the pumps that were damaged out during Hurricane Helene," Williamson said, explaining the city will maximize salvage value where possible.

Several members of the public questioned why the city would pay when the equipment was leased. A commenter identified as Mr. Haluba said the city "should have called up whoever this is and said, your pumps are damaged. Your pumps aren't working. They got damaged. We need some more," arguing the lessor should replace equipment under a leasing arrangement.

City officials responded that risk-of-loss for rental equipment is commonly borne by the renter and is typically defined in rental contracts; staff said the city sometimes self-insures for equipment losses. After discussion the council approved the payment; the vote recorded in the transcript noted two opposed voices during the vote on the consent/consent pull items, but the motion to approve the payment passed.

Ending: Staff reported they will continue to assess salvage options for the damaged equipment and proceed with surplus declarations and sale per city ordinance.