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Albany Utility Board approves equipment purchases and repairs for aging pumps and dispensers
Summary
The Albany Utility Board on Oct. 9 approved multiple purchases and repair contracts for aging fuel, water and wastewater equipment — including fuel dispensers from Barber Equipment ($86,012.72), a soft starter ($44,710), a Well 13 pump replacement ($46,930), a wastewater pump repair ($58,683.92) and a Godwin pump ($53,276.81) under a cooperative contract.
The Albany Utility Board voted Oct. 9 to authorize several contracts to replace and repair aging fuel, water and wastewater equipment, officials said.
Fleet staff asked the board to approve purchase of two high-speed diesel dispensers, two regular diesel dispensers and three twin dispensers from Barber Equipment of Albany for $86,012.72. A fleet presenter said Barber has performed past work for the city and the one-year warranty on the units was noted. Bernard, who described the fleet’s maintenance program, said the city’s pumps are largely more than 20 years old and “every time they go down, it is down for weeks upon weeks.” Jordan, who joined remotely, said he could “stand behind Barber” and supported the purchase.
The board also approved a $44,710 purchase of a Benshaw-series soft starter for blower No. 3 at the wastewater plant on ESG’s recommendation. ESG told the board comparable parts typically list near $50,000 and that the quoted unit includes an exclusive three-year warranty.
For drinking-water operations, the board authorized a $46,930 contract with Donald Smith Company of Hedland, Ala., for a full replacement of the pump at Well 13 after the vendor determined the existing pump could not be repaired. Staff said the pump serves downtown and the hospital area and described the work as a critical, time-sensitive replacement.
At the wastewater treatment plant, the board approved a $58,683.92 repair by Waco Electric Supply for a large pump. Staff said the repair cost is substantially lower than estimated replacement (roughly $200,000) and that the repair should yield about four to five more years of service for the unit.
Finally, fleet requested purchase of one 6-inch Godwin pump from Xylem Dewatering Solutions for $53,276.81 under a Florida Sheriffs Association cooperative contract; staff said freight is included, delivery is about 30 days, and the unit carries a 12‑month/2,000‑hour warranty. The department asked that the existing unit be declared surplus when the new pump is delivered.
Board members repeatedly framed the votes as maintenance of essential systems to prevent service outages. Bernard said the city’s fuel infrastructure is aging and parts are increasingly unavailable; in his words, the old pumps “lasted quite a while” but replacements are now necessary. The board moved, seconded, and passed motions for each item by roll call.
Contracts will proceed according to the purchase orders authorized by the board; the Godwin pump purchase was also forwarded for City Commission consideration where required.
