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Council OKs $2.75 million appropriation for automated meter infrastructure installation
Summary
The council approved a $2.75 million appropriation from the water operating fund to support the Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) installation project, enabling the city to continue its meter modernization effort and provide customer access to near real‑time water use data.
The Oxnard City Council on Oct. 7 authorized up to $2.75 million in appropriations for the city's Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) installation project (PW17‑32), drawing the funds from the Water Operating Fund balance and transferring them into the water capital fund.
Public Works staff said the AMI system will modernize water meters, enable remote reads, provide customers a web interface and mobile tools to monitor use, and improve leak detection. Staff noted there are customer outreach and on‑site assistance components to help residents enroll in the new web portal and smartphone app.
Council members asked about customer education and how billing reads and units would change; Public Works assistant director Tim Beeman said the city already publishes guides and provides in‑person assistance when customers need help signing up, and that the billing units are measured in hundred cubic feet (HCF) as before; the meter interface displays more detailed consumption data.
The council voted 6‑0 to approve the appropriation and transfers; staff said the item is identified in the capital improvement program and that the appropriation will accelerate installation and customer onboarding.
Ending: With the appropriation approved, Public Works said it will continue staged deployments of AMI hardware and hold outreach to help residents link accounts and use the consumption tools. The department will return with implementation updates as installation progresses.
