Staff told the City of Washington Board of Public Works on Oct. 28 that the automatic meter-reading base stations installed in 2012 have reached the end of their operational life and can no longer be repaired due to lack of replacement parts.

Staff said the vendor through the regional supplier (Coromain) quoted $209,985 for a full replacement of the base stations and associated equipment. The project would replace antennas, wiring and indoor components and make the system compatible with Tyler for billing. Staff said replacing the outdoor air-conditioned cabinets with interior-mounted equipment will reduce future maintenance costs on those enclosures.

Board members asked whether the cost was budgeted; staff replied that the expense was included in the current budget and that the purchase is below the budgeted amount. By voice vote the board moved, seconded and approved sending the purchase to city council for final approval.

Ending: Staff will forward the purchase request and specifications to the city council; staff said replacement will prevent a return to estimated bills or hiring manual meter readers if the base stations fail.