FPUD approves mutual services agreement with VCMWD for vactor truck

The Fallbrook Public Utility District will be providing vactor truck services to the Valley Center Municipal Water District.

Under a mutual services agreement approved by a 4-0 FPUD vote, Sept. 24, with Milt Davies absent, FPUD will provide the Valley Center district with vactor truck services, including but not limited to grit removal and lift station maintenance. The Valley Center district will reimburse FPUD $1,028 daily when the vactor truck services are used with an overnight rate for $1,126 for grit removal and a partial day rate of $573 for lift station maintenance.

“We’re working with Valley Center to look at ways we can work together to save both of us money,” FPUD general manager Jack Bebee said. “By utilizing that vactor truck, we can recover some costs, and they can save some money.”

The Valley Center district has a relatively new sewer collections system, so that district does not need its own vactor truck and can contract out for monthly maintenance. FPUD’s older collection system requires more frequent use of a vactor truck, but FPUD still has some idle time with the vactor truck and can provide services to Valley Center.

The agreement is part of a strategic plan to share resources when possible. The Rainbow Municipal Water District is also part of the collaboration for possible sharing of resources.

“This collaboration with Valley Center was one of the first things that was identified,” Bebee said. “We’re continuing to look at other opportunities.”