Marshall County’s weights-and-measures inspector told the county council Nov. 10 that growing numbers and larger designs at local gas stations make the county’s current manual testing method slow and physically demanding. Jerry Huss described a mobile Sarafin trailer unit, certified by the National Weights and Measures organization, that would let staff test pumps without carrying multiple five-gallon cans across stations.

Huss said the unit has three 100-gallon tanks, is delivered at a total cost shown in meeting materials of $48,747 plus $3,500 transportation, and would require periodic recertification at the state office in Indianapolis. He told the council delivery would take about 16–18 weeks after ordering.

Council members asked about storage, warranty service, insurance and possible grant or program funding (QVCAP was discussed as an option). Some members suggested purchasing the unit outright; others recommended trying to reduce the price or pick it up locally to save transport costs. One councilor suggested a pickup-and-trailer approach could be done for as little as $7,800 if feasible; Huss and other members noted the trailer option and the need for a heavy-duty tow vehicle.

After discussion, the council voted to support the request and asked staff to return with funding recommendations at the next meeting. The motion of support was recorded as moved by Mr. Masterson and seconded by Mrs. Johnson; the vote carried unanimously.

Key details: vendor cited as Sarafin; delivered price in meeting materials $48,747 plus $3,500 transport; delivery 16–18 weeks; storage planned at the county’s old EMS building; council asked staff to explore QVCAP and other funding avenues before final appropriation.

Next steps: staff to return with recommendations on funding source (QVCAP or general fund), potential payment schedules or quotes with shipping adjustments, and contract details.