City leaders face urgent decision on utility sale

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of the city's utility governance and the potential implications of selling the utility. The conversation highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for a swift decision regarding the utility's ownership.

One key point raised was the experience with the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which has been in use since the 1990s in other cities like Colombia and Minneapolis. A council member shared positive experiences with AMI, emphasizing that while new systems can be intimidating, they often lead to beneficial outcomes, such as cost savings on utility bills.

Concerns were voiced about the governance structure of the utility, with suggestions for establishing an advisory board to facilitate recruitment and community involvement. This approach could help ease the transition and foster trust among residents.

The discussion also underscored the urgency of deciding whether to sell the utility. One council member expressed skepticism about the benefits of a sale, noting that there is currently no offer on the table and questioning the financial viability of such a move. They pointed out that the utility operates at a breakeven point, making it difficult to see how selling would advantage the city.

The process of divesting ownership was described as lengthy and complex, potentially taking up to two years, which could detract from addressing pressing infrastructure needs. The council emphasized the importance of making a timely decision to focus on immediate challenges, such as building new generation capacity.

Overall, the meeting reflected a commitment to exploring options for the utility while prioritizing community input and the city's long-term interests.