Lawrence Utilities approves $30,087 security camera purchase, hires Baker Tilly for budget work and approves sewer bill adjustment

Lawrence Utilities voted during its meeting to purchase and install a security camera system for $30,087.02, approve a professional services agreement with Baker Tilly not to exceed $25,000 for 2026 water and sewer budget preparation, and grant a sanitary sewer account adjustment of $1,891.88 for 7142 D Webster Drive following a slab leak.

The utility’s superintendent presented the camera proposal, saying the purchase and installation quoted by Exos would cover the utility operations building and the payment lobby and allow future expansion to other Lawrence Utilities facilities. “We’re opening lobbies, so we have some cameras at the building. We’re just expanding, and then we’re expanding into our well fields and stuff like that,” the utility superintendent said. The superintendent said installation was expected before the office opening and that the utility planned to complete work by Nov. 1 or mid-November depending on concurrent lobby construction by Holt Construction.

The superintendent also asked the board to approve a professional services agreement with Baker Tilly for up to $25,000 to assist with preparation of the 2026 water and sewer utility budgets; the utility used the same service in 2024. On the account adjustment, staff recommended approval of a sanitary sewer billing credit of $1,891.88 for 7142 D Webster Drive for charges tied to a slab leak over a two-month period.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the security camera purchase and installation (Exos, $30,087.02), approved the Baker Tilly professional services agreement (not to exceed $25,000), and approved the sewer account adjustment for 7142 D Webster Drive ($1,891.88). Each motion was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote; the record shows “Aye. Motion carried” for each but no roll-call tallies were provided.

Why it matters: The security-system purchase and lobby improvements relate to reopening utility customer service areas and securing water and wastewater assets. The Baker Tilly agreement affects how the utility’s 2026 budget will be prepared. The billing adjustment directly affects a customer account and demonstrates staff handling of leak-related charges.

What was said and what was not: The superintendent described the camera installation as a step toward broader campus security and tied installation timing to Holt Construction’s lobby work. The board did not provide a recorded roll-call vote or individual tallies; the meeting transcript records voice votes and the chair’s announcement that motions carried. No specific vendor contract terms beyond the quoted amounts were discussed in the transcript, and the record does not specify which board member formally moved or seconded each motion by name.

Looking ahead: Staff said they would proceed with the purchase order if the board approved the camera system and would notify the board of installation dates once scheduled.