Budget committee approves rescue gear, wastewater pipe replacement and Jaycee Hall repairs

The City of Laurel Budget and Finance Committee approved three vendor purchase requisitions at its April 14, 2026 meeting, covering rescue equipment, wastewater infrastructure and a facility repair.

JW Hopper presented a $9,520 requisition to upgrade extrication gear for Fired Up Rescue, replacing M28v tools with M18v Milwaukee Gen2 Storm Tools and associated batteries and repairs. The committee approved the request after a motion by Tom Canape and a second from Jessica Banks.

Matt Wheeler presented a $20,507.22 quote from Star Service for removal and replacement of an approximately 43-year-old, corroded 6-inch steel pipe at Digester B. The quoted work includes labor, dismantling, new pipe construction and scaffolding; the quote excludes the cost of new valves. The committee approved the Star Service requisition after a motion by Tom Canape and a second by Jessica Banks.

Wheeler also brought a $20,000 requisition to repair and replace a damaged ceiling at Jaycee Hall, a building now leased by the Lions Club; the city will contribute $10,000 toward the total. The committee approved the repair requisition on the same voice vote procedure.

All three procurements were approved “with no objection,” per the meeting minutes; the minutes do not record a roll-call vote or individual yes/no tallies. Each approval was moved and seconded and recorded as passed by voice.

The committee’s approvals will allow staff to initiate purchase orders and schedule work; the Star Service scope excludes new valves, which staff noted will require a separate procurement or purchase order.