Crawford officials flag lead-and-copper reporting deadline, weigh hydrovac purchase

City of Crawford staff told the July 29 budget workshop that the Nebraska-required report on lead and copper service lines is due Oct. 16, 2024 and that the city must identify materials on both the city and customer sides of meters to comply. Dan Brien, speaking for staff, said the city is considering purchasing or renting a hydrovac or small vac truck — base price for a hydrovac trailer was cited at about $30,000 — to locate and inspect buried service lines and sprinkler connections.

Why it matters: the report is a state compliance requirement and missing the deadline could expose the utility to enforcement or additional remedial costs. Brien said gopher damage to meter pits could require between $10,000 and $40,000 in remediation, and that the city must include these needs when finalizing the water budget.

What officials proposed: staff asked council to consider adding one water‑laborer salary and to allocate funds for equipment or rentals. Brien also proposed clothing allowances for crew safety (noted at $150 per employee) and exploring whether hydrovac procurement should be split between water and sewer accounts.

Council questions and next steps: Council members pressed staff to provide detailed cost estimates and to identify which items would be one‑time capital purchases versus ongoing operating expenses. The council requested that staff return cost options (rental vs. purchase) and a clearer plan for how Ready‑To‑Serve funds would be held; staff suggested transferring Ready‑To‑Serve reserves into an interest‑bearing CD for a contingency account, subject to Council action.

The workshop recorded no formal vote on procurement; staff will provide refined estimates at the Aug. 6 follow‑up budget workshop with the CPA.