Arkansas City Commission approves equipment purchases to boost waterline replacement, infrastructure work

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Arkansas City Commission has approved a series of equipment purchases aimed at strengthening the city's Environmental Services Department and accelerating efforts to replace aging waterlines, according to a post from the City of Arkansas City.

City officials said the new equipment will allow crews to complete more infrastructure work in-house, reduce disruption to neighborhoods and improve response times on future projects.

"These purchases really kickstart our waterline replacement efforts and expand our department's capabilities tenfold," Environmental Services Superintendent Kyle Blubaugh said in the post. "They allow us to complete more work in-house, reduce disruption in neighborhoods, and give our crews the tools they need to stay ahead of Arkansas City's infrastructure needs."

The largest piece of the investment is a 2026 horizontal directional drill package, purchased from Vermeer Great Plains for $204,769.18. The drill will let crews install water service lines and water mains beneath streets, driveways, sidewalks and landscaped areas without traditional open-cut excavation.

"This would be a fantastic tool for our department," Blubaugh said. "It will save a lot of time and money in putting new water lines in the ground."

The directional drill is expected to play a major role in the city's waterline replacement program by cutting restoration costs and limiting the impact of construction on residents, the city said.

The commission also approved the purchase of a 2026 mini hydraulic excavator with multiple attachments from Foley Equipment Company for $145,695. The excavator includes buckets, a breaker and a mulcher head, giving crews more flexibility on a range of infrastructure projects.

In addition, the commission approved a 2026 compact track loader from Foley Equipment Company for $79,900. The new loader will replace aging equipment currently in service; the displaced machine will be repurposed for use at the wastewater treatment plant to assist with sludge handling and facility maintenance.

To transport the new equipment between job sites, the city also approved the purchase of a 2027 Freightliner heavy-duty truck with a flatbed from Truck Center Companies for $115,570, along with a 2026 heavy-duty tilt deck trailer from Vermeer Great Plains for $41,469. City officials said the truck and trailer will let crews move equipment without relying on outside agencies or other city departments, improving efficiency and response times.

Blubaugh noted the truck was acquired through a state contract, saving the city an estimated $40,000 compared with typical market pricing.

"This truck is future-proofing our department as well," Blubaugh said. "As our waterline replacement program expands, it gives us the flexibility to support larger equipment and continue building our capabilities."

City officials said residents can expect to see the new equipment in use soon.

"Residents will start seeing this equipment in use almost immediately," Blubaugh said. "While we're finalizing engineering for a larger waterline replacement project, we already have smaller projects ready to go."

The city said the purchases reflect its ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving essential infrastructure while making strategic, long-term investments in service delivery. Several of the purchases will be financed through lease agreements, which will return to the City Commission for final approval at a future meeting.

Source: City of Arkansas City, Facebook, June 24, 2026 — https://www.facebook.com/arkcity/posts/pfbid0rz7rW4sZyiELbuVT9dwsUaCRR67w2QMLFrH6P96pD4nruPBb6vKjdDQ7rhpNJojJl