“Every three to four years, the pump goes down,” said Snowflake Public Works Superintendent Terry Cooper said last week as he asked the town council to authorize Willis Drilling and Pump Company to replace the 100 horsepower pump and motor at Well No. 4.

Cooper requested the purchase of the new pump and motor prior to the existing pump and motor going down so that they would be able to refurbish the old pump and motor for backup. Pump and motor replacement occurred in August 2004, July 2007 and February 2011, with the equipment generally going out during the high demand season. He explained that this pump has a high demand, because it provides water for the golf course during the summer months.

“In a proactive approach, the work can be scheduled at the convenience of staff and the contractor, and the well can be back in service in a few hours,” said Cooper, noting that when it goes down, it takes three to four days to order and replace the equipment.

Two bids were received from local companies. Willis Drill and Pump Company submitted a bid of $25,698.31 and Copperstate Drilling and Supply, Inc. submitted a bid of $27,325.01. Cooper said that funding for the purchase and services will come out of the normal operating budget for utilities, as revenues for water are projected to be approximately $18,000 more than budgeted and expenditures are projected to be approximately $15,000 under budget.

Cooper said that they will increase the size of the wiring because the casing is 10” for an 8” pump and a lot of heat is generated. This should give the pump and motor more longevity.

Councilman Terril Kay noted there had been talk of putting in another well to provide water to the golf course.

Will Wilson was present, and said that the cost would be approximately $30,000.

Kay suggested that they build that well.

Councilman Lynn Johnson said he felt it would be advantageous to drill the well and buy the pump.

Town Manager Paul Watson explained that the replacement of the pump and motor would be made through the Enterprise Fund, the utility fund for water and sewer for the town, and because the well would be for the golf course, it would have to be paid for with capital funds.

A motion to approve replacing the pump and motor at Well No. 4 passed, with Kay suggesting that the motion should tie into producing another well.

Watson noted that a new well was not on the agenda, but staff will look into it.