Committee recommends delaying purchase of wastewater-treatment generator until 2026 contract

At the May 13, 2025 meeting of the Village of Jackson Budget and Finance Committee, utilities staff recommended postponing purchase of a generator for the wastewater treatment facility until it is included in the contractor scope for the 2026 contract phase.

Jack, a utilities staff member, said the generator had been proposed and approved under previous leadership but repeated quote expirations and tariff-driven price increases left the committee facing a choice about timing. He said including the generator in the 2026 contract allows the installing contractor to purchase and install it so the warranty will begin upon installation rather than upon delivery, and avoids multiple hookups and rehookups if electrical panels are changed in the next phase. "Mostly just letting you know that what was approved, we are recommending not to go forward with the purchase," Jack said.

Committee members discussed funding options. The item was originally to be paid from the D&R replacement fund; Jack and staff stated whether the 2026 purchase would still be cash-funded or rolled into borrowing depends on future financial conditions and the results of a financial management plan review. The committee did not take formal action; staff said they will provide updated cost estimates and funding options ahead of the 2026 contract phase.

Committee Chair (unnamed) and other members asked clarifying questions about funding and timing; Treasurer Tracy was recorded as having no further questions. The committee recorded this as an informational update and did not vote on the generator purchase at this meeting.