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Council considers contract with SJ Environmental as temporary water operator to meet state compliance
Summary
Mabton staff recommended contracting SJ Environmental for three days per week of on-site water-operator services to satisfy Department of Health requirements while the city recruits a full‑time certified operator; the contract would include testing and, if requested, training for a municipal employee.
Council discussed Resolution 2026-21, authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with SJ Environmental to provide water-operator services. Staff said the city currently lacks a certified, on-site operator and that Department of Health guidance requires on-site presence for certain testing and inspections.
“We don't have a water operator at this time,” a staff member said, explaining that three firms responded to the city request and that SJ Environmental offered three days a week on-site plus testing services. Staff provided a proposed cost level and warned that contractors may charge travel and higher hourly rates; the proposal discussed figures around $54 per hour and roughly $5,200 per month as examples in the packet.
Council debated whether the contractor should train a municipal public-works employee to pursue certification. Staff and contractors said training could be included and that a city employee could be signed off on required hours to qualify for the licensing exam. The council emphasized the need to be in compliance with Department of Health deadlines and directed staff to finalize contract scope, duration and training provisions before execution.
The transcript does not record a final roll-call vote; staff recommended contracting to ensure immediate compliance while the city continues recruiting for a permanent operator.
