Finance committee advances sole-source $150,000 purchase for water-meter radio units

On April 20, 2026, the Finance & Budget Committee voted unanimously to recommend TMP 3665 to the full City Council. The ordinance would authorize a sole-source purchase order with United System and Software Inc. for encoder receiver transmitter units (ERTs) used in the city’s radio-read water meters, for an annual amount not to exceed $150,000, and would authorize the city manager to execute the agreement.

Jeff Thorn, Director of Water Utilities, told the committee the ERTs sit in meter wells and transmit meter data to the city’s remote reading operations. He said the city has roughly 40,000 meters and about 95% have already been converted to ERTs; the contract would finish the remaining conversions and fund replacement stock as batteries fail or equipment needs replacement. "That's why we have a sole source here today," Thorn said, explaining the vendor-supplied equipment and reader hardware are matched to the city's existing system.

The committee moved and seconded a recommendation to council; Mayor pro tem Lopez, Council member Funk, Vice Chair Lovell and Chair Shields each voted 'Aye.' The item will proceed to council for consideration.