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ESU flags boiler replacement and a $700,000‑plus Vactor need for next fiscal year planning
Summary
Superintendent Newton told the board the ESU building boiler system is nearing end of life with estimated replacement costs of $100,000–$120,000; staff also flagged the oldest Vactor (2001) for replacement, estimating a new unit north of $700,000 and advising staff to plan financing options.
Superintendent Newton told the Environmental Services Utility board that the ESU building’s boiler system—installed roughly 15–16 years ago—is showing leaks and repeated repairs and likely needs replacement in the next fiscal year, with an estimated cost in the six-figure range.
Newton also described the city’s sewer-cleaning fleet: the oldest Vactor dates to 2001 and the fleet includes a 2019 purchase that replaced a 2009 VACON. He said the oldest machine is showing serious body- and vacuum-system fatigue, parts are increasingly unavailable, and a new Vactor-style machine is likely to cost "north of $700,000." Staff discussed financing options such as multi-year financing or using cash on hand and said lead times and ordering timelines require early planning.
Why it matters: the ESU relies on specialized equipment to maintain collection and response capability; deferred replacement risks higher maintenance costs and reduced response capacity. The board did not take action at the meeting but asked staff to present financing options and timing for potential order placement in the next fiscal-year planning cycle.
Next steps: staff will prepare cost estimates and payment options to present to the board and include the items in capital budgeting discussions over the next 30–60 days.
