The Washington City Council approved the purchase of a gate valve wrench for $27,755 at this week’s meeting. J.J. Bell, City of Washington maintenance and construction superintendent, explained the equipment will increase safety and productivity. The new hydraulic valve wrench is hands free and is used with hydrant flushing in addition to other work related to maintaining a functional water system. The valve wrench is being purchased from E. H. Wachs out of Harvard, Illinois.