Committee authorizes one-time payment of $3,322 for emergency sewer lift-station repair

The Criminal Justice, Public Safety, and Emergency Services Committee on July 21 authorized a one-time payment to Cummins Wagner Holding to cover emergency repairs at the county's main sewer lift station. Committee members agreed the auditor should be authorized to approve the one-time payment of $3,322 to allow payment for emergency services that would otherwise push the vendor above an annual $20,000 contract limit. County staff explained the $3,322 payment addresses required emergency repairs to the lift station that serves the municipal center and the committee discussed equipment called a "muffin monster," a grinder used in sewage handling. Staff said replacing that grinder would cost about $50,000 and that replacement needs had come in "well above what we anticipated." The committee clarified the current request was a one-time payment and not an increase to the annual $20,000 contract. Staff and the county attorney—s office had been consulted to proceed. Committee members asked technical questions: staff confirmed the lift station has two pumps and that the configuration provides a backup pump. The meeting record shows the motion to authorize the one-time payment was moved by Supervisor Strainer and seconded by Supervisor Mayday; the motion carried on a voice vote. The action in the meeting was approval of a one-time payment for emergency repair; committee members said they would revisit broader contract or replacement funding at a later meeting.