Utility Advisory Board 7/21/2026

The City of Punta Gorda Utility Advisory Board met on July 21, 2026, to review operational data, financials, and ongoing procurement activities related to the city's water and wastewater utilities. Key procurement discussions included the ongoing contract with Home Meter for meter reading and maintenance services, costing approximately $30,000 monthly, with plans to phase out manual meter reading as new automated meters are installed. The board also discussed the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) issued for the design criteria package and owner advisor services for the Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant project, marking the initial step in a progressive design-build process. The procurement timeline was noted to be slow, with expectations of about a month after RFQ closure before selection decisions. Additionally, the board reviewed budget expenditures and revenues, noting that expenses are on track at about 59% of the annual budget, and discussed ongoing drought conditions impacting water usage and restrictions. No new contract awards or vendor selections were finalized during the meeting, but progress on capital improvement planning and procurement processes was highlighted.