Council approves $559,500 equipment purchase and nearly $1 million in inland base change orders for wastewater facility upgrades

County engineering staff told council that aging grid removal and dewatering equipment at the Inland Base wastewater facility — installed in 2008 and now roughly 17 years old — has led to grit accumulation and operational problems. "We looked at two tiers," said Mister Medlock, presenting options ranging from parts replacement to buying a complete new unit with warranty. He recommended purchasing a new conveyor and dewatering auger.

Council approved a purchase order to M F Ranker & Sons in the amount of $559,500 for replacement of the grid removal conveyor and dewatering auger system. Medlock said replacement is preferable to a full teardown that could exceed $1 million and noted the decision was made on the county engineering department's recommendation.

Medlock also briefed the council on related contract actions for the Inland Base phase 2 expansion. He requested approval of two change orders: a mechanical rehabilitation of Effluent Pump Station 1 with a not-to-exceed amount of $841,000 and an increase to the lagoon sludge disposal allowance of $100,000. The council approved the combined change order request.

Separately, council approved a direct purchase order to Reardon Materials Corporation for an aeration blower package at the Inland Base facility in the amount of $298,000 as part of the expansion project. All motions were moved, seconded and carried on recorded votes.

The approved actions allow engineering staff to proceed with vendor procurement and contractor change‑order implementation as the Inland Base expansion continues.