Members of the Level Plains City Council unanimously agreed to move forward with plans to replace the motor in one of the city’s two sewage pumps during a July 2 meeting.
The two wells, which are located at the intersection of Dale County Road 1 and Z Street, alternate pumping to prevent wear on a single pump.
With one of pumps currently out of commission, Mayor Bruce Grantham said the city doesn’t have many options.
The cost of a new motor is estimated at $6,000, with up to $1,500 in potential labor costs associated with its installation.
Grantham said if the second pump goes out, there would be no way to process the city’s sewage.
The council’s resolution did not include a specific cost, as it is not yet clear how much the entire repair will cost.
Buddy Wilson of the Level Plains Water Department said the other pump’s meter has been malfunctioning.
Wilson is currently pricing a new meter and said he’d bring those prices before the council members at their next meeting.
In other news, the council agreed to purchase a 2003 Crown Victoria for use by the Level Plains Police Department.
The vehicle currently has 80,000 miles on it and is valued at approximately $6,000.
Council member Edward Berry said it was in great shape and could be purchased by the city for only $5,000.
Once the vehicle is purchased, the department plans to replace the brakes on Chief Lanice Bonds’ 2008 Dodge Charger and repurpose that vehicle for use by Lt. Johnny Williams.
A cage would also have to be added to the Charger in order to transport detained individuals.
Bond said a new cage costs approximately $600, however, Bonds said he would check with area sheriff’s offices to see if there are any used cages that can be purchased.
The city is still waiting to receive a decommissioned Crown Victoria from the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, a transfer that was approved during a June meeting of the Dale County Commission.
Additionally, Grantham said the city would be looking for grant monies to purchase new police vehicles in the future.
In other business, council members agreed to send City Clerk Pat Wambles to the Master Municipal Clerks Academy Aug. 27-30 in Tuscaloosa.
The city will also host a vehicle auction at 9 a.m., July 11, at Level Plains City Hall.
According to Bonds, five vehicles are being auctioned off during the event.
The Level Plains City Council will meet again at 6 p.m., July 16, at the Level Plains Community Center.
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