Water operator reports pump troubles; council discusses repairs and certification training

Bobby, the city's water operator, reported a pump issue that reduced available pumping and required constant manual attention while crews diagnosed the fault. He said floats in the chlorine chamber lost function and the pump repeatedly lost prime for several weeks; a temporary float replacement stabilized the tank but full repairs and electrical diagnostics remain necessary.

Council and staff estimated potential repair costs in the $3,000–$5,000 range and discussed using water reserve funds for repairs. Staff proposed registering Bobby for wastewater-certification preparatory classes at a community college (class fee $464 plus lodging/per diem) to reduce operational reliance on external certified staff. "Our tank is up 1 is 28 feet full right where it should be now," Bobby reported after the temporary fix, and staff said electricians and a contractor (Automation Group) will return for further work. The council discussed contingency budgeting for operator training and emergency repairs and agreed to include estimated amounts in the near-term expenditure plan.