The Century Town Council Monday night approved the purchase of two replacement gear boxes for water treatment plant components, known as clarifiers, in an amount not to exceed $8,000.
Of the three clarifiers at the water treatment plant, Vernon Prather said clarifier no. 1 is currently out of service. The drive box was removed from no. 1 and put on clarifier no. 2 when it recently went out, to patch it together and make it work. The drive unit is about 30 years old. Prather said they have recently replaced other parts and clarifier no. 3 is new.
“Both of those two clarifiers were built at the same time,” said Prather. “So both are 30 years old.”
Mayor Henry Hawkins suggested to request the purchase of two drive units so one can be in use quickly and if one is needed it will be available for replacing.
CPA Robert Hudson said the town has $125,000 for the water treatment plant budgeted and has spent $3,292 so far. For repair of large machinery the budget is $45,000 and the town has spent $1,700 through November, he said.
Prather said having critical parts on hand would be great in case one breaks down. He said it is more of a repair item than a capital outlay.
In a motion made by Councilman Ben Boutwell and seconded by Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson, the motion carried.
