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Mesquite council approves $224,500 water-loss study after debate over staffing and value
Summary
City council approved a $224,500 consultant contract to perform a citywide water-loss study and training, amid council concern about cost, bidding and whether staff could perform the work. Staff said the study will produce a detailed water balance, training for city personnel and may identify where additional metering is needed.
The Mesquite City Council approved a consultant contract worth $224,500 to conduct a water-loss study and provide staff training, after several council members questioned why the city could not perform the work in-house.
Councilman V.W. Smith said the city recently invested in new smart meters and asked why staff could not locate the water losses instead of hiring outside help. Smith called the price — roughly a quarter-million dollars — excessive in a year the city is expected to tighten its budget.
City staff and the consultant replied that the engagement is intended to produce a citywide water balance, identify accounting and metering gaps and train remaining staff. Staff noted substantial turnover in the water department and said outside…
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