Scofield to buy new sewer pumps after repeated failures; trial pump ordered

The Scofield Town Council on Dec. 9 authorized staff to order a trial sewer pump and—pending satisfactory performance—purchase two additional units to provide backups and reduce repeated service failures.

Council members described four pumps that are currently inoperable and told colleagues that some pumps in the system may be about 40 years old. Council and staff reported a pattern in which rebuilt pumps were returned with a replacement kit rather than a full rewind and that the rebuilt units have started failing more frequently.

At the meeting council compared costs: rebuilt pumps have been costing between $5,000 and $7,000, while a new Flight Pumps model (now distributed through Xylem in Salt Lake City) was quoted at roughly $3,500. Council discussed lead times: Xylem/Flight Pumps in Salt Lake had an estimated six-week turnaround for the model discussed, while a dealer in Indiana could deliver a matching unit in about one week if the exact specification is located.

After debating how many units to keep on hand for reliable service, a councilmember moved to order one pump for testing and, if it performs, to order two more (total of three). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Melissa Holloway and approved. Council instructed that the purchase be charged to the town’s Utility Fund and assigned Public Works to identify the correct model and supplier and report back. Staff will place the trial order promptly and, if the trial pump performs to expectations, order the remaining units.

Councilmembers emphasized reducing service downtime and avoiding repeated rebuild costs. No final contract or vendor was named during the meeting; exact model numbers, warranties and final procurement totals were not specified and will be determined by staff.