Eldridge utility board approves bills, internal fund transfers and $60,175 contract for IP cell communicator

The Eldridge Electric and Water Utility Board approved routine financial business and a technology contract at its April 7 meeting.

The board reviewed bills payable and approved them on a motion by Peterson with a second by Hamilton; the chair called for the vote and recorded the motion as carried. The board then considered Resolution 2026‑03, a set of internal fund transfers the packet described as covering administrative charges, equipment replacement and project funds. After staff explained the purpose of each transfer, the board approved the resolution by roll call; the chair recorded the motion as carried.

On a separate item, the board reviewed a sales agreement with Johnson Controls to replace aging copper telemetry and install an IP/cellular communicator for SCADA/notification systems. Staff said the change moves toward eventual fiber/IP service and estimated a modest ongoing cost difference. The board approved the contract on a motion by Harrington and second by Gooding; the amount stated in the meeting was $60,175.41, payable July 1. The chair closed the item by confirming the contract amount and payment timing.

The meeting minutes show no recorded dissent on these items. Questions at the time focused on the transfers’ purposes (administration, depreciation, insurance buy‑down, and project funding) and on the long‑term plan for communications infrastructure (transition from copper to IP/fiber). The board directed staff to continue coordinating capital and rate planning work that incorporates the ISG study discussed earlier in the meeting.

The board took these actions as part of routine business; no ordinance or rate change was adopted at the meeting.