Commission approves purchase of lift‑station pumps to avoid bypass risk

The Atchison City Commission authorized staff to purchase and install two new pumps for the Spring Garden sewage lift station from C and B Equipment for $53,602, with total budget authority of $60,000 to handle change orders. The vote carried after discussion about tariffs and potential price changes.

Clinton McNamee said the Spring Garden lift station serves the northeast corner of Jackson Park and has two pumps in constant operation; staff proposed buying two new pumps and rebuilding two existing pumps to serve as critical spares. He noted earlier camera inspections showed the inflow previously suspected from creek infiltration actually originated at the water treatment plant, reducing the immediate need for a larger $100,000 CIP expenditure. Commissioners asked about manufacturer details and tariff clauses; staff said the change‑order authority would address modest price shifts and they would return to the commission if costs exceeded the authorized amount.