Holly Hill approves purchase of demonstration pipe‑crawler inspection system after brief public pushback

Holly Hill — The City Commission approved a purchase of a demonstration pipe‑crawler inspection system from Pat’s Pump and Blower for $85,000, with a $7,000 budget amendment, after staff explained technical capabilities and funding restrictions.

Resident Mike Servo questioned the expense and suggested the city pursue shared services with nearby municipalities to avoid an $80,000 purchase. “$80,000 for a camera ... may not be the most practical use of taxpayers’ dollars,” Servo said, urging the city to consider a shared service agreement or contracting for camera services.

Public Works Director Joe Justice said the unit is a submarine‑grade demo camera that normally lists for about $130,000; the city negotiated a used demonstration unit for roughly $80,000–$85,000. Justice said the device fits on the back of a pickup rather than requiring a trailer, can operate in 6‑inch to 48‑inch pipes, has a high‑capacity cable and a one‑year warranty. “It is a nice system ... we got a used demo one for 80,000 with a couple of pieces parts that we added on,” Justice said, adding that the camera’s precision can reduce costly spot digs and make targeted repairs more economical over time.

Commissioners asked whether grant funds applied; staff said this purchase is not grant‑funded and will come from enterprise utility funds, which by policy cannot be diverted to the general fund. The commission moved, seconded and carried the resolution approving the purchase unanimously.

Staff said they plan to share the demonstration unit with neighboring municipalities when possible and to seek grants for future reclaimed‑water infrastructure projects noted elsewhere on the agenda.