Larry and Gaylyn's newsletter of today reported on some new water meter equipment.
Does anyone find it strange that a couple of years ago, the city launched a concerted effort to start replacing older water meters, and purchasing some new meters, with a plan to replace all meters over a period of time? Shortly after that, the hue and cry went up about stupendous increases in water bills. The explanations about the drought, increased usage, and poor homeowner water management flew. The new water meter reading technology permitted meter readers to only drive down the street instead of walking from meter to meter. That was two years ago.
Now, we're spending at least another $2 million for new equipment because the equipment we just bought is obsolete??!! Someone didn't do their homework, or someone flim-flamed the Council, or technology is racing ahead at a very rapid clip. I'm pretty sure we can't afford to replace $2 million in meter reading equipment every two years.
Will the new equipment eliminate $2 million of labor costs over the next two years? This might be the right move, but I think the city owes the citizens a little better explanation about why the new technology. I would like to know why we need it so quick, how it pays for itself, and why we didn't get it in the first place two years ago, or wait for the new technology, and eliminate a step. Who's watching the store?
It might be the right move, but I would sure like to see some numbers proving why.
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