Lamar Utilities Board meeting of March 10, 2026

At the March 10, 2026 meeting, the Lamar Utilities Board approved Purchase Order numbers 2025-03227 through 2025-03480, which totaled $624,367.87 – of which $605,182.71 needed board approval.  The largest purchase order was for $593,191.53 to ARPA for February power purchase (estimated).  Other large amounts were $5,410.00 to Steerman Law Office PLLC, $2,484.00 to National Industrial and Safety Supply, $1,962.50 to Blazer Electrical Supply and $1,144.89 to BSI Components and Repair.  Payment of bills was approved, which totaled $86,761.68.  Again this month, no financial reports were available due to the ongoing and lengthy Tyler software conversion the city has undertaken.

The board voted to approve an irrigation contract with Spitzer Family Farms.  The contract is for a 10 HP irrigation pump, which is newly installed.  Per the irrigation contract, Spitzer Family Farms will be charged $10.00 per HP, resulting in a minimum payment of $100.00 annually and a $30.50 monthly service charge.  The board also voted on three bids.  First was Bid #2077 for pole mount and pad mount transformers.  Eleven bids were submitted with 7 being returned.  The low bid of $186,895 from Midwest was accepted.  The second was Bid #2078 for 8-foot and 10-foot fiberglass crossarms to replenish stock.  Six bids were submitted with 5 being returned.  The low bid of $19,312.50 from Western United was accepted.   Lastly, Bid #2079 for a variety of line materials and hardware to replenish stock was awarded to Wesco, who submitted the lowest of 4 returned bids.

Superintendent Hourieh’s System Operating Report read: The line crew completed the installation of 600 feet of overhead 3 phase, 25kv, 1/O ACSR line extension, and they are in the process of installing 1,581 feet of underground 3 phase, 25kv, 1/0 cu circuit.  The new line extension will power 150 kva, 277/480v padmount transformer that will power 160 HP of irrigation pump and sprinklers located to the NW of Hwy 196 and Rd 1.  The crew completed the installation of 25kva, 120/240v service to the new Verizon Tower south of town.  The crew have also been performing general line maintenance and tree trimming.  Linear Labs have installed the new pitch gearbox, changed oil, and continues control cabinets wiring modifications, documentations and clean-up on the T-2 wind turbine.

By: Barbara Crimond