Nixa City Council approves $1 million water tower construction and new backhoe purchase

The Nixa City Council convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss several key resolutions aimed at improving the city's utility infrastructure and services. The meeting began with a focus on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, which has been a long-term goal for the city. The project, included in the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and budget, will involve replacing over 22,000 meters, with a pilot program set to begin in a localized area involving about 100 customers. The pilot aims to identify and resolve any issues before full deployment, which is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

City staff emphasized the importance of a smooth transition to the new system, which will enhance accuracy in utility usage measurement. The council discussed the potential for future software upgrades that could allow customers to manage their accounts more effectively, including options for prepay billing. The integration of the AMI system with existing payment kiosks was also addressed, with assurances that compatibility would be considered.

Following the AMI discussion, the council moved on to Resolution 2025-02, which authorized the city administrator to solicit bids for a new 1,000,000-gallon composite water tower. This new structure is intended to replace an existing standpipe and ground booster pump station, improving fire flow and increasing water capacity by approximately 700,000 gallons. The engineering plans for the tower have already received approval from the Department of Natural Resources.

Next, the council reviewed Resolution 2025-03, which authorized the purchase of a new backhoe for the water system. This equipment is part of a routine replacement strategy to ensure that city staff have reliable tools for maintenance and emergency repairs.

Resolution 2025-04 was also discussed, which involves the purchase of a new forestry bucket truck for the electric department. This vehicle will replace an older model and is designed to enhance the efficiency of tree maintenance and utility line work.

Throughout the meeting, council members expressed their commitment to improving city services and infrastructure, with all resolutions passing unanimously. The council concluded the session by reiterating that these expenditures were previously approved in the budget, underscoring the importance of maintaining and upgrading city resources to better serve the community.