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Ireton council approves new meter-reading device, obligates final ARPA funds
Summary
Ireton City Council approved purchase of a new meter‑reading belt‑clip transceiver and passed Resolution 24‑11 to obligate the final portion of ARPA funds for the purchase; motions passed unanimously (4‑0).
Ireton — The Ireton City Council on Dec. 16 approved purchasing a new meter‑reading belt‑clip transceiver and enacted Resolution 24‑11 to obligate the final portion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover the purchase.
Clerk Richardson told the council the existing belt clip and its software were purchased in January 2016 and that the software required an update in July 2023; Richardson said the unit was outdated and could not be repaired. The clerk estimated a replacement at about $6,600. The council approved the equipment purchase (motion by Mueller, second by Gradert) on a 4‑0 vote. Separately, the council passed Resolution 24‑11 (motion by Buyert, second by TenNapel) in a roll‑call vote, obligating the remaining ARPA funds for the purchase.
The council's claims list included a Ferguson Waterworks charge described as “BELT CLIP TRANSCEIVER” for $6,617.97; the clerk's verbal estimate in the meeting was approximately $6,600. The council approved the payment and the corresponding budget action to use ARPA funds to complete the purchase.
Why it matters: the device is used for meter reading, and replacing outdated field equipment affects utility billing and operational continuity. Using reserved ARPA funds for capital replacement removes the immediate operating-budget burden but reduces the remaining ARPA balance available for other projects.
What the council decided next: the motions to buy the transceiver and the resolution obligating ARPA funds both passed 4‑0; no additional contingencies or amendments were recorded during the meeting.
