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Utilities outline water apprenticeship, smart‑meter completion and steep electricity cost increases
Summary
Utilities staff described a new water apprentice program for recent high‑school graduates and a smart‑meter changeover nearly complete; they said electricity cost increases will raise wastewater operating costs by roughly $80,000 next year.
Utilities staff told the Board that the city launched a water apprentice program this year that targets recent high‑school graduates for a six‑month rotation through water divisions with the goal of hiring full‑time operators.
"It's been a pretty big success," said a utilities presenter, describing recruitment and training outcomes. Staff said the program was funded in part by savings from unfilled operator vacancies.
Department staff also said the smart‑meter changeover will finish by the end of the year, which will reduce some ongoing supply costs tied to manual meter services. Separately, wastewater electricity costs are projected to climb by about $80,000 next year because of higher rates.
Staff emphasized they are reducing contract spending in a number of areas by bringing work in‑house and that they will continue monitoring energy expenses as a key budget risk.
