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Committee recommends $95,000 transfer from sewer retained earnings to replace failed pump-station generator
Summary
Advisory Finance recommended transferring $95,000 from sewer retained earnings to replace a failed generator and associated controls at a pump station; long lead times prompted the immediate request. Vote was 8–0 in favor.
The Advisory Finance Committee voted on Sept. 23 to recommend that Town Meeting transfer $95,000 from sewer retained earnings to replace a failed pump-station generator and associated control equipment.
DPW Director Chris Payant showed photos of the generator enclosure and control panels and described a replacement that includes the generator unit (estimated at about $55,000), a reconfigured transfer switch, new controls, and a concrete slab extension. Payant said lead times are long — roughly 22 weeks — and the station currently lacks permanent backup. “We don't have emergency backup at this site,” he said, noting the department can deploy portable generators as a short-term measure but that they are not a suitable long-term solution.
McMahon moved and Bradley seconded a recommendation to transfer $95,000 from sewer retained earnings for the replacement; the committee recorded a roll-call vote of eight in favor and none opposed. Payant said the department has historically purchased generators from operating budgets and that the higher total here reflects site work and system reconfiguration beyond a simple swap.
The transfer will be included in the warrant materials; DPW will coordinate delivery timing given procurement lead times and keep the committee and Town Meeting informed about schedule and contingency plans.
