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Council rejects unbudgeted $187,812.63 meter purchase; motion fails
Summary
A council motion to authorize an additional $187,812.63 to purchase water meters failed on May 19 after Finance Director Ryan recommended against the purchase because it would require cutting another $187,000 project or reduce fund balance; the printed vote shows all five members voted no.
Public Works Director Arnold proposed adopting a resolution to authorize an additional $187,812.63 to purchase water meters, which would exceed the project's original $900,000 budget and lock in current pricing to avoid future cost increases. Finance Director Ryan recommended against the purchase, saying the city would have to cut a different project worth roughly $187,000 or draw down fund balance and plan to recoup the decrease in 2026. The council vote on the motion recorded all five members as voting no, and the motion failed.
During open forum Barb Church asked staff about delaying meter installation and whether residents would lose meter battery lifespan; staff later reported 520 water meter replacement sign‑ups in the first week. Council did not adopt the unbudgeted payment; staff and council will need to consider alternatives for procurement timing and budget adjustments going forward.
