Utilities board "reluctantly" backs meter-reading contract over 10% yearly increase cap

LOS ALAMOS - The Board of Public Utilities voted 3-0 on Oct. 21 to "reluctantly" recommend extending the county's contract with Smartphone Meter Reading LLC to 15 years. Compensation is capped at $362,000. The company's app records meters outside the automated network, mostly for customers who opted out.

Chair Robert Gibson made the motion. He objected to a provision that allows increases of up to 10% a year. "10% per year for eight years means that the cost per year would more than double in eight years, for essentially no change in service," he said (video, 23:33). His motion requires staff to return at least 120 days before the 2027 renewal.

Deputy Utility Manager Clay Moseley said he learned of the contract only when procurement told him it had expired. "That's kind of on me," he said (video, 27:26). Staff expect to switch to a Sensus portal within a year.

By consent, the board also recommended a $460,000 repair of the Tank 4A waterline in Two Mile Canyon, according to the clerk's notes.

No members of the public spoke during the public comment periods captured on the meeting video (video, 42:24 and 1:29:49).