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Albany Utility Board approves equipment purchases and repairs totaling about $288,000
Summary
At its Oct. 9 meeting the Albany Utility Board approved five equipment purchases and repair contracts — diesel dispensers, a wastewater soft starter, replacement of Well 13 pump, repair of a large wastewater pump, and a dewatering pump — and will forward one purchase for city commission approval.
The Albany Utility Board on Oct. 9 approved a package of equipment purchases and repairs for city utility operations, voting to authorize contracts for diesel fuel dispensers, a wastewater soft starter, replacement of a water well pump, a repair at the wastewater treatment plant and a dewatering pump purchase under a cooperative contract.
Board members were presented with individual project summaries and cost figures before each vote. Fleet staff requested $86,012.72 to replace five twin diesel dispenser units (two high‑speed and two regular diesel dispensers at 1,900 Northman Road and three twin dispensers at 1,726 Lily Pond). Staff said the existing dispenser hardware is 20–25 years old, parts are increasingly unavailable and local vendor Barber Equipment of Albany will perform the work. A one‑year manufacturer warranty was noted.
For wastewater operations, staff recommended buying a Benshaw‑series soft starter for blower #3 at the wastewater plant for $44,710 based on ESG consultant recommendations; that product carries a three‑year warranty. The board discussed procurement process and consultant responsibilities before approving the purchase.
The board authorized an emergency replacement of the Well 13 supply pump with Donald Smith Company of Hedland, Ala., for $46,930 after staff said diagnostics showed the existing pump could not be rebuilt and that the work was time‑sensitive because the downtown/hospital sector depends on the well. Staff characterized the procurement as an urgent replacement rather than a competitively bid purchase because of timing and service continuity concerns.
At the wastewater plant, staff asked the board to approve a repair (rather than full replacement) of a large pump by Waco Electric Supply for $58,683.92. Staff noted replacement would be approximately $200,000 and the repair is expected to extend the pump’s useful life by about four to five years. Board members pressed on replacement‑versus‑repair thresholds and procurement timing before approving the repair.
Finally, fleet requested purchase of a 6‑inch Godwin dewatering pump from Xylem Dewatering Solutions under a Florida Sheriffs Association cooperative contract for $53,276.81; staff said cooperative contracting shortens procurement time and frequently reduces cost. The department asked to declare the replaced unit surplus upon delivery.
Votes at a glance: all five procurement motions were approved by roll call at the Oct. 9 meeting. Several board members asked for clearer documentation of consultant roles and warranties; staff said ESG or maintenance contractors had performed diagnostic work and would continue service under existing maintenance relationships.
The board’s approvals allow staff to proceed with contracts and to request related items be placed before the city commission where required.
