Council approves switch from Auto‑Read to Core & Main’s Flex‑Read and Base Station system

The Rolla City Council approved purchase of Core & Main’s Flex‑Read meter-reading program and a quoted Base Station system after staff said the city’s current Auto‑Read software will no longer have vendor support. Council approved the motion to buy the Flex‑Read program and the Base Station system on a roll-call vote (motion by Clarence Booth, second by Paul Frydenlund). The motion passed unanimously.

Public Works staff explained that Core & Main offered to cover a $10,000 setup fee if the city completes the switch before Jan. 1, 2027. Council documentation lists a Flex‑Read annual fee of $4,000.00, a Base Station annual fee of $6,675.00, and a one‑time Base Station setup fee quoted at $48,488.58. Councilmembers emphasized operational efficiency: the Base Station would allow staff to read meters from the office without sending personnel to drive around town.

The council did not identify a financing source during the meeting; the motion approved purchase authorization and acceptance of the vendor’s quoted terms. Staff follow-up on implementation timing and budget impacts was implied by the committee reports but not specified at the meeting.