Bashaw town council approved $62,000 to purchase an important water system pump. The decision was one of two made at a special council meeting held Nov. 22.
It was noted the special meeting was called by staff because two items involved non-budgeted expenses.
In a phone call to the ECA Review Nov. 27 Town Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller confirmed councillors approved by resolution $62,000 from unrestricted surplus to purchase a new drop-in pump that, staff noted, should last up to 30 years if it’s serviced properly.
In her report to council Fuller noted the old pump had been sent away for repair, with costs estimated at about $14,000. However once the contractor began repairing the old pump it was noted two damaged impellers, previously undetected, that would require another $12,000 to repair, plus the original $14,000.
During discussion the CAO noted that the old pump could therefore be repaired for $26,000, but there was no guarantee it was free of problems.
Fuller stated the Town of Bashaw has three such pumps within the water system on a rotating schedule, with only two currently available as the old one has been at the shop since September.
She also noted that while councillors did approve $62,000 for a new pump, but town staff are still going to continue looking at options in case a more affordable solution is available.
Fire truck repairs
Councillors also unanimously approved an additional $7,397.46 on top of other monies to repair the Town of Bashaw Fire Dept.’s 1992 Volvo firefighting unit.
Fuller’s memo noted town council previously approved $22,300 from unrestricted surplus to repair the truck’s pump. As it turned out, however, once the contractor took the pump apart more damage was discovered.
The CAO noted a significant amount of rust was discovered in the pump and transfer case.
She added that the town thought further repairs for the truck would only cost another 10 per cent, but the entire bill eventually came in at over $30,000.
After negotiations with the contractor, the total bill was eventually cut down to $29,697.46, just over $7,000 above the original budget.
Fuller stated councillors were relieved the unit in question is now fully functional and back in service.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
