Title
A Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Annual Budget to recognize as revenue a transfer from Motor Pool Fund Balance and appropriate such funds to cover the cost of a replacement Vac-con truck. (Note: In order to have the vehicle available prior to the upcoming hurricane season)
Body
With the 2018 hurricane season rapidly approaching the Public Works Utilities Division is requesting the advanced purchase of a new Vac-con sewer vacuum truck.
The City currently has three Vac-con trucks; one is over 17 years old and the other two considerably newer each at approximately five years old or so. The oldest of the three is experiencing constant maintenance issues due to age, corrosion and a failing pump system. The pump system has gotten to a point where it no longer provides sufficient vacuum for the intensive cleaning required of storm and sewer drains.
One of the newer Vac-cons has recently been experiencing engine problems that the manufacturer has had difficulty determining the underlying cause. The truck has been back and forth to the dealership in four of the last 6 months. This leaves us with only one fully operational Vac-cons as the City is heading into hurricane season.
It is essential that the City have three fully operational Vac-cons available during hurricane season. Last year with citywide power outages affecting several pump stations, all three trucks were required to manage the City’s sanitary sewer system. It is safe to say that not having the required equipment at our disposal could pose a potential health and safety hazard for our employees as well as for the residents of the city. The cost of the new VACON truck is $425,000.
An amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 annual budget is required to recognize as revenue a $425,000 transfer from Motor Pool Fund Balance and appropriate such funds to cover the cost of the Vac-con truck.