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City staff to recommend multiple equipment purchases, leases and software subscriptions
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Summary
City staff previewed purchases including a Caterpillar backhoe, extension of a leased ARFF vehicle ($15,000), traffic signal upgrades, annual GPS mapping software and a recommended answering‑services contract; all items were set for formal action Feb. 3.
City staff reviewed a package of operational and capital procurements that will go before the Hot Springs board for formal approval on Feb. 3.
City Manager Bill Burrow said the items include an answering‑services contract for utilities, a replacement backhoe, an extension of a leased aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) unit, traffic signal upgrades and continued GIS/subscription services.
Utilities Director Monty Ledbetter said the city issued a request for proposals and received 13 responses; the rate‑and‑rank committee selected Communication Business Services, Inc. (CVSI) as the highest‑rated firm. Ledbetter said the service “averages about $1,000 per month.”
Burrow presented a recommended purchase of a Caterpillar backhoe from JA Riggs Tractor Company (Riggs Cat Equipment) for $135,608.88 to replace a 2000 model at the transfer station that staff said is beyond repair.
Airport Director Don Rowlett said the city’s ARFF vehicle remains under repair and staff requests a two‑month lease extension of a replacement at $7,500 per month (total $15,000); Rowlett said parts delays have slowed repairs but the vendor had previously projected about 30 days to finish work, and charges would be prorated if the city returns the leased unit early.
Public Works Director Ron Seave Wright summarized a $138,514.13 purchase from Temple Inc. to upgrade three signalized intersections with new cabinets, camera detection and cellular modems.
Assistant City Engineer Mike Hill said Navigation Electronics Inc. (the sole authorized Trimble provider in Arkansas) provides mapping software used across engineering and field teams; staff requested renewal through 2026 at a cost of $26,005.92. All items were presented for formal action at the Feb. 3 meeting; no votes were taken at the review session.
