Glens Falls City Water and Sewer staff briefed the board Nov. 3 on several capital and operational needs, including a large electrical upgrade estimated at about $20 million, timber-sale activity, stormwater repairs and the purchase of replacement vehicles.

Staff described the electrical upgrade as a major capital project with an anticipated 45–90 day bid period once it is ready to be advertised; supply and delivery timelines and material availability will affect procurement and construction schedules. The board discussed the project's scope and noted it would be a multi-decade investment, with staff framing it as a 30–35-year plan to support the system.

On smaller projects, staff said they are coordinating a timber sale and noted recent stormwater repairs, including replacement of about 40 feet of storm line at one location and repairs to a catch basin. Staff recommended compiling a list of recent fixes to highlight resolved issues and illustrate ongoing maintenance work.

Equipment needs were discussed at length. One field crew dump truck suffered engine damage and required approximately $15,000 for an engine rebuild and another $15,000 for the truck body; staff said it was not economically practical to repair that vehicle and that replacement bids would be sought from available budget lines. The water department also has aging pickup trucks and one unit with a failing floorboard; staff said current budgets should cover replacement and that bids have been forwarded to procurement staff.

Board members agreed to include these capital and equipment items in budget planning and noted that some debt service pressures may ease as older obligations conclude. No final procurement contracts were approved at the Nov. 3 meeting; staff said they will follow the regular procurement and council-approval processes.