A plan to install two emergency generators to supply the town with electricity in the event of a regional power outage has been tabled yet again.

That action by the Pahrump Town Board wasn't taken until a lengthy discussion that encompassed not only the issue of the generators but the need for the town's service agreement with engineering firm WillDan.

Not surprisingly, the issue was introduced by Vice Chairman John McDonald, who has consistently voted against WillDan projects.

McDonald has, on a number of occasions questioned whether an engineer was even necessary for some town projects, such as the installation of new lighting at town parks, or if the town's service agreement meant that only WillDan could perform such duties.

The generator project first ran into serious trouble in October when WillDan estimated the engineering and design cost at $82,000, which did not include future costs of construction, purchasing the generators or the actual wiring of them.

Paul Wagner, president of Twin Shores Development Inc., general contractors, told the board the job could be done not only for far less money but that engineers weren't necessary.

He pointed out that pre-engineered generators could be purchased, in which case it was a matter of installation.

Wagner said he could install both generators for a total cost of about $79,000.

He also alleged that WillDan had duplicated fees in their estimate.

Wagner argued that a master electrician could perform the design function, and inspection could be completed by Pahrump's buildings and grounds crew or building department.

Furthermore, Wagner said the job could be completed within two to four days.

"That money could be put to better use," Wagner said, referring to WillDan's estimate. "WillDan's an excellent company but they have mega overhead that a general contractor won't."

Wagner suggested the town go out to bid for the project, a move supported by McDonald.

"I think the point I'm trying to make is that we're paying for a lot of stuff that we don't need to do. We're hiring engineers to do basically construction work," McDonald said. "We have a great deal of work that we have to do in this town and we can't afford to throw our money away."

For others, however, it was not that simple.

Matt Luis, director of Buildings and Grounds, expressed trepidation about using a contractor for the job.

"I definitely would not try to second-guess the engineers," Luis said. "I don't have the knowledge or skill to tell you if WillDan is overcharging us or not. I just know these shortcuts before like this have burned us many, many times in the past."

Richard Foster, chairman of the parks and recreation board and a master electrician, said traditionally a combination of engineers and contractors were used for this type of project.

"What I would suggest is that we do have an engineering firm at least perform some part of the (project), and that will also help spec what needs to be done," Foster said. "And that's the traditional process."

Tom Buist, vice president and building manager of WillDan's building and safety division defended the firm.

"The entire process that brought WillDan on board was brought by concern by staff for the quality and durability of the products they were receiving," Buist reminded the board.

He went on to explain that half the cost estimate was based on engineering the electrical work and half on inspection.

Furthermore, Buist pointed out the estimate was based on the mandatory number of inspections, and that it was not a mandatory price.

However, he did emphasize the work that would be completed would be "over and above that which would be provided by county building."

Finally, Buist reminded the board that by law, professional services could not be bid out by price but by competency.

Throughout the discussion, Clerk Don Rust had pointed out the town had a five-year service agreement with WillDan, and furthermore the company had been awarded the service agreements based on a competitive process.

"We have a contract with WillDan to go out and do exactly what they're doing," Town Manager Dave Richards said. "And I think that to go out and to request proposals from other engineering firms is going to be contrary to that agreement with WillDan."

"I've read the agreement and I don't see anything at all about exclusivity," McDonald retorted. "Now I have no problem with that contract, if they are minor projects ... but if it's an $80,000 engineering job, then I think we do have to go out and request proposals."

Ultimately the item was tabled yet again to give Town Counsel Carl Joerger the opportunity to review the contract.

Rust voted against tabling it.