City Council Authorizes Lease-Purchase of Vacuum Truck
NEWBERRY — The City Council of Newberry met last Thursday to discuss important matters, resulting in the approval of a lease-purchase ordinance for a vacuum truck, a necessary asset for the city’s wastewater services. The formal decision followed the second and final reading of the ordinance. Mayor Foster Senn clarified that the new truck is vital for operations in the wastewater department, helping to maintain efficient service in the city.
The agreement for the vacuum truck has a principal amount not to exceed $550,000, with financing provided at an interest rate of 4.59% over a maximum term of four years. The motion to approve the first reading of the ordinance was made by Councilperson Lemont Glasgow and seconded by Councilperson Jackie Holmes, demonstrating a clear consensus among the council members for this procurement.
Funding Transfer for Sewer Line Upgrades
Additionally, the council also approved a significant financial request to transfer up to $3,500,000 from the city’s rate stabilization fund account to the gross revenue checking account. City Manager Jason Taylor explained that this transfer is crucial to match funds for a grant received from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP).
The city successfully received the maximum grant amount of $10 million, which requires a $2.5 million match from Newberry. Taylor pointed out that while the funds were already included in the city’s budget, formal approval was needed to transfer the funds due to the timelines linked with the grant.
The funds will specifically be used to upgrade two intersections of sewer lines within the city limits. “We must have the project bid out by December of this year, with the project completed by December 31, 2026,” said Taylor. He further explained that the sewer lines involved are old, dating back to 1977, and their lifespan has long been exceeded.
Recent Sewer Line Repairs and Additional Funding Needs
While preparing the necessary documentation and actions for the SCIIP grant, Taylor noted a failure of a portion of the sewer line located near Belfast Road. This sudden issue resulted in substantial repair bills, with the city having already spent $750,000, plus an outstanding amount of $200,000 needed to finalize the repairs. These expenses collectively account for the total of $3,500,000 that the council approved to transfer.
The motion to approve the fund transfer was made by Councilperson Carlton Kinard, with Councilperson Edwin Wicker seconding the request. It was clear that council members were focused on addressing the pressing needs of the city’s infrastructure and wastewater management system.
Looking Ahead
The Newberry City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m., where further discussions and updates on city projects and council actions will take place. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and participate in these vital meetings that shape the community.
As the city works to enhance its infrastructure and services, the approval of the vacuum truck lease and the significant fund transfer mark a proactive step toward ensuring that Newberry remains equipped to handle its wastewater challenges effectively.
