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Balch Springs approves $597,000 hydrovac/cleaning machine to speed sewer and drainage work
Summary
Council approved purchasing a 2026 VACON combination cleaning machine for up to $597,000 from the capital vehicle fund to improve sewer, culvert and drainage maintenance; staff said the city will seek to sell the older 11‑year‑old unit.
Public works staff recommended the purchase of a 2026 VACON V312N-1300 combination cleaning and hydro-excavation machine from CLS Equipment Company, Inc., not to exceed $597,000 from the capital vehicle fund. Staff said the unit would replace an 11-year-old machine that is increasingly costly to repair and would improve efficiency for sewer and drainage work, especially after heavy rains.
The presenter described multiple operational benefits, including safer excavation where underground utilities exist and reduced labor by combining multiple functions into one machine. A councilmember asked whether the city would sell the existing unit; staff said the plan is to sell the old machine and use proceeds toward fleet needs. Finance staff confirmed the capital-vehicle budget included $755,000 for such purchases and that this item would leave a remaining balance in that capital fund.
Council voted to approve the purchase. Staff said they will track job counts and performance to assess whether additional, smaller units should be requested in future budgets.
