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Boone utility staff warns of water-meter supply split; asks council to consider budget amendment
Summary
Utility staff said the city's meter supplier severed a local relationship with the manufacturer, leaving the city facing six-week lead times for meters and the possible need for a short-term budget amendment to pre-order inventory to keep development projects moving.
Whelan, a utility staff member, told the council the city's meter supplier severed ties with the manufacturer's local representative, leaving the city with limited local purchasing options and a reliance on shipments from Mansfield, Texas.
“We were about 304 meters from complete installation and change over to this manufacturer… It's at least a 6 week lead time on an order to get the meters,” Whelan said, describing the supply disruption and explaining why he may request a budget amendment to maintain necessary inventory.
Whelan said the city had used the current manufacturer since 1995 and that he would seek alternative suppliers if necessary. He said he did not expect to exhaust the operating water budget but wanted authorization to request an amendment as a contingency to avoid delays on ongoing large developments.
Council members asked questions about lead times and alternatives; Whelan said he would try to order ahead and explore other manufacturers and suppliers, and invited members to reach out with questions.
Council did not take an immediate vote on an amendment but noted the matter may return for formal action if staff requests a budget adjustment.
