Levelland council approves Ameresco advanced meters; members ask financing questions

The Levelland City Council voted to authorize execution of a performance contract with Ameresco to install a Master Meter Harmony advanced metering infrastructure system intended to improve water accounting and conservation.

City Manager James Fisher and project staff described the initiative as expensive but necessary to better manage the city's water supply, detect losses and help customers conserve. Fisher said the project could be financed and that anticipated savings should cover costs over time.

"The potential savings for this should be able to cover our cost," Fisher said, adding the system would provide remote reading and better leak detection.

Some council members pressed staff on financing terms and contractual contingencies. An unnamed council member asked whether the contract included an out if financing fell through and noted language in the agreement about the city's financing obligations. "If something happens to our financing, we're still obligated," the council member said, requesting clarification of page and section references in the contract.

Staff replied that the city planned to work with Hilltop (a local financier) and that final financing terms would be presented before funding moves forward; they also said state law provides protections for governmental entities if financing could not be secured.

Council approved a motion authorizing the mayor or city manager to execute the necessary documents, including the performance contract and notice to proceed. Staff said the city may examine adjusting the water improvement fee as part of next year's budget discussions to fund the project if needed.

The contract and financing mechanics were described at a high level in the meeting; staff committed to present financing terms and any recommended rate or fee changes in the budget process.