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Albany Utility Board approves equipment purchases and emergency pump repairs
Summary
The board approved a slate of fleet and water/wastewater procurements — new diesel dispensers, a soft starter, two pump repairs/replacements and a standby Godwin pump — citing vendor familiarity and service needs; the board authorized contracts and recommended one item to the city commission.
The Albany Utility Board on Oct. 9 approved multiple equipment purchases and emergency repairs aimed at keeping fuel, water and wastewater operations running.
Fleet staff requested replacement of two high‑speed and two regular diesel dispensers at Public Works and three twin dispensers at Liberty for $86,012.72, telling the board the local vendor Barber Equipment has a performance history with the city and that the dispensers come with a one‑year warranty. Board members asked about warranty and service; a motion to authorize staff to contract with Barber Equipment passed on a roll call vote.
At the wastewater plant, staff recommended buying a Benshaw soft starter for blower No. 3 for $44,710 following ESG’s maintenance recommendation; the unit includes a three‑year warranty. The board approved that purchase after discussion about the contractor’s role in sourcing the part.
Staff also reported an emergency replacement of Well 13’s pump after an inspection found the unit could not be rebuilt. Donald Smith Company of Headland, Alabama, was authorized to install a new pump for $46,930 because the well serves downtown and hospital areas, and staff described the work as time‑sensitive to avoid service loss.
The board approved a repair by Waco Electric Supply of a large wastewater pump for $58,683.92; staff noted replacement cost for that pump would be about $200,000 and that the repair should extend service by roughly four to five years. Separately, fleet sought purchase of a 6‑inch Godwin pump from Xylem Dewatering Solutions under a Florida Sheriffs Association cooperative contract for $53,276.81 (freight included, 12‑month/2,000‑hour warranty), and asked to declare the existing unit surplus. That item was approved and recommended to the city commission.
Board members pushed staff for clearer documentation on when cooperative contracts or contractor recommendations are used instead of full bidding and asked for ongoing updates as capital projects proceed. The board recorded votes for each motion on the record and moved several items forward to the city commission where required.
The board adjourned after handling the listed items and scheduling follow‑ups.
