Measures sought to contain transformer replacement cost

The City Council voted Monday to delay purchase of a power transformer in order to seek bids on a remanufactured replacement unit for the one that failed recently

“This could save us upwards of $100,000,” said Electric Superintendent Scott Sligh during a special council meeting Monday. “The rebuilt transformer will have a three-year warranty. It’s five years on the (new transformers).”

The council declared an emergency during its regular meeting last week in order to seek bids for a replacement unit without public advertisement of the bids. State law authorizes that procedure, but also requires a writing by the city setting out the nature of the emergency and reasons for bidding without public advertisement.

Measures sought to contain transformer replacement cost