The Oxnard City Council meeting on October 7, 2025, focused on budget appropriations for the Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) replacement project. Tim Beaman, assistant public works director, presented a recommendation for the council to approve an appropriation of $2,750,000 for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding will come from the available balance in the Water Operating Fund and will be transferred to the Water Capital Fund to support the completion of the AMI project.

Beaman provided background on the project, noting that the council had previously approved a total allocation of $30,481,628.12 for the AMI replacement project on October 19, 2021. This allocation included contracts for construction and management services, as well as contingencies for engineering and project management. The project involved replacing approximately 43,000 water meters and installing cellular read endpoints, which allow for monthly meter readings without the need for physical visits.

Currently, the project is nearing completion, with the total cost expected to be about $3 million less than the initially approved budget. To date, approximately $25 million has been spent on the project, and the additional $2,750,000 is necessary to fully fund the remaining balance and close out the project. The total estimated cost of the AMI project is approximately $27.5 million, which includes all associated agreements and additional engineering services.

The council's approval of this appropriation is crucial for finalizing the AMI project, which aims to enhance the efficiency of water meter readings and improve service delivery to residents.