BOONSBORO, Md. — Boonsboro will purchase 220 new water meters and switch electricity suppliers under two measures approved by the Mayor and Town Council as the town continues major water system improvements and reviews plans for a proposed Tractor Supply store.
The council approved spending approximately $151,000 on advanced water meters following a successful pilot program involving 20 meters. The purchase will be funded almost entirely through a $125,000 grant and money already set aside for routine meter replacements.
Town Manager Rachel Souders said the pilot meters had performed well after initial software issues were resolved. The new equipment will allow the town to expand its use of technology that helps identify water leaks and monitor consumption.
The purchase will use $25,000 from the town’s annual meter replacement budget, with the remaining $510 coming from unspent leak detection funds.
The Boonsboro Municipal Utilities Commission recommended the purchase, which the council approved without opposition.
Electricity contract approved
The council also voted to enter a 12-month electricity supply agreement with WGL Energy Services at a rate of approximately 9.44 cents per kilowatt-hour.
The contract is intended to reduce the town’s electricity expenses, although council members heard differing estimates of how much the change would save.
An initial presentation projected savings of at least 20 percent. During the Oct. 12 discussion, however, a participant questioned the calculation, arguing that it relied on a simple average of electricity rates across town accounts rather than weighting those rates according to actual consumption.
That calculation suggested savings closer to 6 percent, although officials noted that not every municipal electricity account would qualify for the proposed arrangement.
Council members agreed that a one-year contract would allow the town to test whether the change produces meaningful savings without making a longer commitment.
The town will need to review the agreement before it expires to avoid an automatic renewal without further consideration.
Potomac Street waterline project continues
The town also reported progress on its major Potomac Street waterline replacement project, which is being completed in stages.
The first phase, including the water main, service connections and meters, has been completed. The second phase’s water main has been installed and was undergoing pressure testing at the time of the meeting.
Work on service lines will proceed after satisfactory bacterial testing confirms that the new main is ready for use.
Whether the third phase begins before winter will depend on weather conditions. Officials said the temporary bypass waterline cannot remain in place through freezing temperatures, making it possible that the remaining work will have to wait until spring.
The project is part of Boonsboro’s broader effort to modernize aging water infrastructure and accommodate changes in pressure associated with its new reservoir.
Tractor Supply project moves along
Town Planner Drew Bowen also updated the council on a proposed Tractor Supply store near Dollar General.
The developer is preparing subdivision and site plans, but no formal application had been submitted as of the Oct. 12 meeting. The proposal remains subject to additional review, including Washington County stormwater requirements.
Access to the property remains an important planning consideration. The Planning Commission has expressed interest in providing more than one entrance and exit, and revised concept plans show a potential future access point.
The project must return to the Planning Commission for review before it can proceed through the required approvals.
New reservoir in service
Boonsboro’s new water reservoir is operating, and the town reported that its older reservoirs had been refilled as part of the transition.
The replacement reservoir is intended to strengthen the reliability of the municipal water supply and support the town’s ongoing distribution system improvements.
Officials discussed a tentative ribbon-cutting ceremony for Oct. 29, although the date had not been finalized at the meeting.
