The Town Council has approved the transfer of $20,653 in funds to cover the cost of repairs to one of the Fountain pumps at Fountain Park.

It was recently discovered that one of the three pumps was not working properly and the electrical contractor that works on the pumps was contacted.

The pump was removed and taken to the shop of Precision Electric for trouble shooting and repairs.

It was discovered that a faulty valve had caused the pump to malfunction resulting in a broken shaft.

Community Services Director Mark Mayer told the council the valve would be replaced with a different type of equipment so it will be less likely to malfunction in the future.

The cost of replacing the valve is $3,961 and the work to repair the shaft is $16,691. The funds are not available in the Community Services budget and need to be transferred from the Administration Department contingency line.

Councilman Henry Leger told Mayer he has concerns about the vendor. He noted that all three pumps for the Fountain have been rebuilt since 2010, all with one year warranties that have expired.

“I think we need to be getting a little longer life out of these when they are rebuilt,” Leger said. “Is there any way to extend the warranty, at no additional cost?

“I am concerned about the vendor and will be watching.”

Mayer told Leger that the rebuild work was done on the pumps and motors and there was no issue with those. It was a faulty valve that caused this problem. He also noted that Precision Electric has been highly recommended including for work for the Fountain Hills Sanitary District.

“I will trust your judgment,” Leger told Mayer. I’m not trying to throw Precision under the bus.”

The council approved the transfer on a 6-0 vote with Councilman Dennis Brown absent.