Akeley authorizes emergency water-plant pump work after major failure

Following a December 19 special meeting, the Akeley City Council authorized immediate repair and replacement work on the city’s high‑service pump and motor at the water treatment plant after an on‑site assessment raised the estimated cost well above the initial pull estimate.

Water/Sewer staff reported the repair scope expanded during disassembly; an on‑site contractor (Thein Well) produced an estimate in the neighborhood of $20,500 for parts and labor to restore the high‑service pump and motor. At a Dec. 19 special meeting the council approved work not to exceed $25,000 so the contractor could proceed and restore reliable pressure and treatment capacity.

Council members emphasized the need to restore the plant quickly and agreed to finalize how to fund the work during the city’s end‑of‑year financial review. At the Dec. 30 meeting the council approved a series of end‑of‑year transfers and reserved the option to use enterprise balances and specific CD balances previously identified during work sessions to cover the cost.

The city directed the public‑works contractor to order replacement motor parts and to prioritize restoring system reliability. Staff said they will return to the council with exact invoices and a proposed funding plan; the council’s action allowed the repair to begin immediately to avoid extended service interruptions.