Richmond Sanitary District approves $1.24 million in invoices, budget reclassification and two contract addenda

The Richmond Sanitary District Board of Commissioners on Jan. 27 approved routine business including board minutes, a $1,238,883.32 batch of invoices, an intercategory budget transfer and two contract addenda.

Board members voted by voice to approve minutes from the Jan. 13 meeting and to accept invoices dated Jan. 9 and Jan. 16 totaling $1,238,883.32. The motion presenter itemized major payments: Merrill Brothers Inc., $221,203.93; two McAllister's Machinery Co. checks, $116,875 and $590,611; Richmond Power and Light, $53,884.06; Converto Manufacturing Inc., $27,342; SMK Equipment Company, $19,659; BBC Pump and Equipment Company, $15,742; and two USPS entries, $50,000 and $10,000. The motion carried with no recorded opposition.

The director and operations staff explained that some line-item costs—particularly for biosolids hauling and application—are seasonal and weather-dependent. As the director put it, spring and fall “tend to be much heavier” for application windows and weather can force holding or off-site handling, which increases costs.

The board also approved an intercategory budget transfer that staff described as an accounting change driven by a citywide redefinition of capital purchases. Under the revised definition, single items must exceed $5,000 to qualify as capital; many small, high-volume purchases for trash-container parts and similar supplies will be moved out of capital accounts into supplies and services lines. Staff said the transfer aligns the district’s accounting with the city’s current practice.

The board authorized a one-year agreement with Greens Fork Alignment of Centerville, Indiana, for tires, effective Feb. 1, 2026 and expiring Jan. 31, 2027, with the option to renew annually as the contract allows. Staff said Greens Fork has maintained stock levels the district needs and has held prices steady for two years; this year’s quoted increase averaged about $107.17 across typical items.

Separately, the board approved Addendum No. 1 to Contract 53-2022 with Cintas of Muncie, Indiana, to continue laundry and floor-mat services beginning Jan. 21, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2028. Staff cited the QPA state number 211113541 and said 2027 and 2028 prices were quoted at the same rate as 2026. Board members asked whether law had cleared the contract-extension language and were told it had.

In operational updates, the director reported that district crews plowed alleys to keep trash collection on schedule and that the landfill was operable; residents were asked to place cans where trucks can reach them without impeding plows. The meeting ended with a unanimous voice vote to adjourn.

The board took no further public-facing actions at the meeting; no new ordinances, resolutions or appointments were made.