Is $1,790,000 in Smart Meters...really Smart?

Hello, St. Helena. I feel compelled to share my thoughts on a recent decision made by our city council regarding the approval of $1.79 million for smart meters. As you may know, I voted against the recommendation, and I want to explain why I believe this was the right choice for our community.

First and foremost, let’s take a step back and evaluate what we currently have. Our existing water meters are functioning well and have proven their durability, with an impressive average lifespan of 20-40 years. While they do cost us about $50,000 annually to service, the long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of these traditional meters cannot be overlooked. At this rate, it would take two decades to recoup the costs of the new smart meters, which begs the question: is it smart?

The proposed smart meters, marketed as "advanced" technology, are essentially cellular devices. While they promise convenience, they also come with significant concerns. Feedback from many residents indicates that these smart meters often experience technical problems. In some cases, they may shut down entirely, leaving households without water—our most fundamental necessity. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it potentially poses real challenges for families and businesses alike.

Moreover, the lifespan of these smart meters is alarmingly short, averaging only 6 to 10 years. In our region, where we face dynamic temperatures—both high and low—there's a strong likelihood that these devices will not hold up well in the long run. Given St. Helena’s climate, we should be careful about investing in technology that may not be best suited to these conditions.

Adding to my concerns is our city’s current financial situation. We are facing a $3 million deficit in our budget, a significant challenge that requires our immediate attention. With two critical measures coming to a vote in November, we will gain a clearer picture of our financial health and what steps we need to take moving forward. It is crucial that we understand our position before committing to substantial expenditures like those for smart meters.

As a public servant, my priority is to ensure that we make sound financial decisions that benefit everyone in St. Helena. Investing $1.79 million in smart meters that may not deliver on their promises, especially in light of our budget deficit, is a gamble we should not take. Our focus should be on solutions that provide reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness for the entire community.

I urge my fellow council members and our current mayor to be more considerate moving forward, prioritizing solutions that truly serve our community’s needs and protect the resources of future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my perspective. I welcome your thoughts and feedback on important issues like these. Together, we will work towards a future that is both innovative and grounded in honesty and practicality.