In a recent government meeting, officials provided a comprehensive update on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) remediation project, which has evolved significantly since its inception in 2022. The project, initially thought to be a straightforward warranty issue involving the replacement of faulty water meter registers, has expanded to include a complete overhaul of the city's water metering system.

Barbara Trinka, Assistant Finance Director, led the presentation, emphasizing the collaborative effort of the team involved in the project. The city plans to replace approximately 6,100 water meters with a more reliable model known as the iPerl, which features fewer moving parts and improved accuracy. This initiative is projected to cost around $2.6 million, with an additional $220,000 earmarked for temporary staffing to support ongoing operations during the transition.

The presentation highlighted that 30% of the smaller meters have already been replaced, with plans to install an additional 1,000 meters in the coming months. The city is also addressing larger meter replacements, allocating over $800,000 specifically for this purpose, recognizing the critical role these meters play in accurate billing.

Trinka noted that the project has already mitigated approximately $1.1 million in potential losses by ensuring that water usage is accurately billed, rather than relying on estimates. The city has seen a significant reduction in \"zero billed\" accounts, which had been a major concern.

As the project progresses, officials are negotiating with the meter manufacturer to finalize a settlement agreement, with hopes to complete this process by October. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue improving operations and ensuring that the city's water metering system is both efficient and reliable.