Water meter bid double the original estimate

AMENIA — In an apparent case of "take it or leave it," the Town Board accepted a bid for the water meter project that came in at least double the original estimates.

The board approved the lowest bid that was received for the project, from National Metering of New Jersey, which offered to do the project for $195,678. The original estimate was $90,000.

Councilman Wayne Euvrard said he was still concerned with how much installation of the meters would cost each individual homeowner.

Town Supervisor Janet Reagon said that homeowners would not be charged for the installation of the meters.

During public comments, resident Pat Nelligan was critical of the town accepting the bid, and said the town should do an environmental assessment before the project started to determine the possible impact the project would have.

"I think it would be prudent to make sure there would be no environmental change because of this," Nelligan said.

Town Council Michael Hayes said the project was exempt from any environmental assessment.