Sedan council approves $53,627 pump purchase for fairgrounds lift station, OKs sewer-truck tires

The Sedan City Council voted Aug. 6 to buy a replacement pump for the fairgrounds lift station from HFE Process for $53,627 and to purchase three replacement tires for the sewer truck.

The vote followed a public works update from Jim Miller, who presented two written quotes: HFE Industries offered a $53,627 unit (installation supervision only), while Smith & Loveless quoted $88,631 plus about $12,000 to remove and install the pump, for a total of roughly $100,631. "The lift station has been rebuilt twice already and things are starting to rust out," Miller said, and he told the council he would retain the old pump for parts.

Miller also reported a recent blown tire on the sewer machine and said three other tires were in poor condition; the council approved buying three tires at $103.63 each. The mayor had previously approved ordering $730 of parts to avoid the lift station being out of service.

Why it matters: the lift station serves the fairgrounds and repeated repairs have prompted the city to replace worn equipment rather than continue costly interim fixes. The lower-cost HFE quote, which the council selected, did not include installation; the company will provide a technician to supervise installation.

Council action and next steps: Adam Clark moved to purchase the lift station pump from HFE Process and Angela Evans seconded; the motion carried. Janice Fine moved to purchase the three sewer-truck tires and Sharon Payne seconded; that motion also carried. Public-works staff will schedule procurement and keep council apprised of installation timing. No timeline for completion was specified in the meeting record.

The council took these votes as part of routine meeting business and did not attach additional funding conditions. The city clerk will record the purchase orders and staff will retain the old pump for parts.