Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes using $60,000 of reserves from the Licensed Establishment restricted fund balance for the purchase of a replacement Dionex Ion Chromatograpy System (laboratory equipment) and amends Public Health Madison Dane County’s 2022 operating budget for the purchase. The 2021 ending balance of the Licensed Establishment restricted fund balance is approximately $674,600.
Title
Resolution for Using Restricted Reserves for Purchasing Laboratory Equipment: Replacement of the Dionex Ion Chromatography System.
Body
WHEREAS, the autosampler of the Dionex Ion Chromatography System - a machine that is vital to Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) laboratory operations and is used to conduct multiple tests - has failed and needs repair; and
WHEREAS, if the machine is not replaced, the lab will not be able to continue serving the county by performing analysis of pool, well, lake and outfall samples; and
WHEREAS, due to the Dionex Ion Chromatography System being in disrepair, the PHMDC laboratory is currently contracting an outside laboratory to perform licensed establishment pool samples. The licensing fees for pool operators include the routine sampling and testing of pool water for 446 Dane County public swim pools and water attractions; and
WHEREAS, due to the age of the existing machine and high repair costs ($3000 for service call plus the estimated repair cost of $15,000), the most fiscally responsible solution is to replace this equipment; and
WHEREAS, replacement cost for this equipment is approximately $60,000; and
WHEREAS, time is of essence, as outsourcing to a contracted laboratory is not sustainable due to increased cost and longer test turnaround time; and
WHEREAS, beyond pool testing, this machine is also capable of conducting the following tests: Transient Non-Community wells, Nitrate testing for private well, and hundreds of lake and outfall testing. These additional tests provide an invaluable service t...
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