Commission approves $2 million purchase of Neptune smart water meters to support lead‑line work and future monthly billing

The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a sole‑source purchase with Ferguson for Neptune smart water meters totaling $2,000,000 to support the city’s ongoing smart‑meter replacement program.

Director of Public Services James Baker described the program as routine and operational: meters are being replaced through attrition and in coordination with lead service line replacements. Baker said the city has work under contract for about 1,300 lead replacements in the Edison neighborhood and will use meter replacements to limit repeat home visits.

Baker gave system estimates to the commission: roughly 45,000 meters in the system, completion of a large portion already, another 1,500 under contract and the current purchase would supply an additional 1,500–2,000 units depending on sizes. He said a small meter is about $350 and the estimated service life is about 25 years. Baker added the city’s long‑term objective is to enable monthly billing, shifting away from quarterly billing when the meter program is complete.

Commissioners asked about unit costs and longevity. Commissioner Decker said the program will benefit residents when monthly billing becomes possible and thanked staff for the coordination with lead‑line work. The commission voted to approve the purchase.