Council approves up to $200,000 purchase of trailer‑mounted emergency generator

The Larksburg City Council voted to buy a trailer‑mounted diesel emergency generator for a not‑to‑exceed amount of $200,000, citing public‑safety needs tied to recent flooding and storm events.

Public Works Director Julian Skinner told the council the unit quoted in stock is a 200‑kilowatt, Tier‑4 diesel generator with a current price of about $185,000 and that the city estimated $200,000 total after sales tax. He said the model is slightly larger than the 175 kW originally budgeted in FY25‑26 but would run key pump stations — notably Bonner Pump Station, which provides access to the hospital — and, if needed during multi‑day outages, the library’s HVAC beyond battery backup. “This was originally included in your adopted budget as a $150,000 item,” Skinner said, noting a roughly $50,000 increase from the earlier estimate and explaining the quicker delivery timeline because the unit is in stock.

Council members pressed on alternatives, cost comparisons with long‑term rental ($5,000‑$6,000 per month typical), and the unit’s useful life (skinny staff estimated about 20 years depending on hours of use). Skinner said early‑stage alternative fuels and larger electric container systems remain cost‑prohibitive for the capacity the city needs now.

Council members framed the purchase as a health‑and‑safety priority after repeated flooding incidents this year; a motion to buy the generator carried in the council vote.

The purchase will be funded from the adopted FY25‑26 budget line originally planned for the generator, with staff authorized to complete the acquisition under the approved not‑to‑exceed amount. Council directed staff to return any necessary procurement documentation for the record.