Town gets lower quote for ultrasonic Neptune water meters; cell coverage study needed

Town staff told council that the vendor who would supply meters and the vendor who supplies software were different parties, complicating procurement, but a revised quote for ultrasonic Neptune meters came in about $12,000 under the previous estimate. Staff described the Neptune unit as a higher-end ultrasonic meter with a roughly 20-year life expectancy and a 10-year warranty with prorating thereafter.

Administrator Trevor said the deployment depends on a radio and cellular coverage study because the valley's terrain limits communications. "They bring in some towers and they do a little cell service coverage for our area," he said, and staff are waiting for that study before finalizing procurement. Council members asked about an optional $15-per-year cellular reporting service that would provide monthly reporting capability for customers.