Freeport council approves Amerisco meter‑replacement contract after debate over scope and cost

The Freeport City Council on Oct. 1 approved a $33,480,210 turnkey contract with Amerisco to implement an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and replace the city’s water meters, voting 4–1 after an extended discussion about cost, timing and alternatives.

City staff and Amerisco told the council the project is structured as a performance contract under Texas Local Government Code 302 and includes a company guarantee that meter‑accuracy shortfalls will be covered by Amerisco either through replacement or payment. The contract, staff said, will not be validated until financing is secured and the city issues a notice to proceed.

The vote followed two earlier work sessions and an hour of questions at the council meeting. City Public Works/utility staff summarized the contractor’s scope — audit, site visits, meter testing, design, installation, software integration, training and commissioning — and the guaranteed outcomes. Staff said operational savings would be about $93,000 per year and that capturing lost or uncounted water…