Thursday, May 2, 2024
Following an accident on Highway 84 which destroyed city equipment, the Gatesville City Council approved the purchase of a trailer mounted sewer machine for $87,642.64.
"We had an employee moving the machine near Burger Boy, when a semi-truck filled with street goo (material) ran a red light," said city Finance Director Mike Halsema. "The employee was able to accelerate to avoid his truck being hit, but it took out the sewer trailer.
"That was the only machine we had, so we rented one from Texas Municipal Equipment to get us through."
A memo to the council notes that this was "the sole equipment in the city capable of servicing small sewer line clogs."
A claim has been filed with the city and truck driver's insurance companies.
"TML (Texas Municipal League) will send us a check for $37,322, and the cost of the replacement machine is $87,642.64," Halsema said. Additional funds are expected from the semi-truck driver's insurance.
Although the city had originally considered financing the purchase of the equipment for five years, based on insurance proceeds, Halsema recommended the city pay for the entire purchase at once.
"We'll be able to cover the $50,000 out of our current revenue, and this would save us about $12,000 in interest costs," Halsema said.
