USDA funding covers Scofield well vault estimate; council approves fire‑pumper repairs

Scofield Town Council received an updated estimate from the engineering firm for the town’s well‑vault project and approved moving forward with repairs on two fire pumpers.

The engineering update (dated July 18 in the delivered estimate) showed USDA Rural Development project funds at $364,674.02, engineering fees of $14,000 and construction management costs of $19,956.32. The well‑vault cost estimate presented in the meeting transcript was reported as approximately $275,914, leaving about $54,803.70 in remaining funds for contingencies or change orders.

Council members noted they expect change orders could arise and that the USDA still needs to provide final figures for some line items. The project remains pending final USDA confirmation and additional engineering details.

On vehicle maintenance, council discussed pumper #3 (currently in the shop for clutch repair and possibly needing fuel injectors) and pumper #2 (may need wiring work). A mechanic estimated injectors at roughly $1,200 apiece for a six‑cylinder engine (approximately $7,200) plus labor; members discussed doing all injectors while the truck is in the shop to save labor costs. A motion to continue repairs on pumpers #2 and #3 as needed was made, seconded and approved by voice vote to keep emergency apparatus operational.

Council also heard a recommendation to use diesel treatment as preventive maintenance to prolong injector life and reduce long‑term costs; members agreed to procure a case for station use. The council did not adopt additional capital purchases at the July 14 meeting.