Recommend approval of Contract Modification 1 for Advanced Meter Infrastructure Deployment Services with Badger Meters in an Amount Not to Exceed $13,427,000 to Expand the Smart Meter Project Scope and Timeline Providing for Conversion of Direct Read and Radio Read Water Meters to Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

In August 2022, council approved a multi-year contract with Badger Meter to deploy Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) which converted 50,000 of our direct read/radio read water meters to remote read meters using cellular technology. The funds from this contract modification will expand the initial contract scope, from 50,000 water meter upgrades to up to 80,000 AMI meter installations and will cover the remaining 5/8" to 1 1/2" water meters in our system. Additionally, problem meter boxes will be replaced and minor meter box plumbing repairs necessary for meter upgrade will be completed. This additional work will add 2 years to the project timeline, extending the contract expiration from 8/31/26 to 8/31/28.

As of March 31, 2026, 54,797 AMI meters are providing remote reads, 48,970 installed by Badger Meter and 5,827 installed internally. Production totals are 110% of the project goal. Expanded the project scope to include remaining meters will provide continued customer service and conservation improvements due to improved accuracy and access to information such as usage data and potential leak alerts. Completion of the project will support a transition to monthly utility services billing and enhance customer access to information.

This contract was originally approved by Council on August 11, 2022 in the amount of $ 5,268,357.04. The additional project costs of up to $13,427,000 are included in the 2026 – 2030 Capital Improvement Program and Water Resources 5-Year CIP Plan, $5,370,800 for FY2026, $5,370,800 for FY2027 and $2,685,400 for FY2028. The total amount of this contract, including this modification, is $30,695,357.

Approval