Burley, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Burley City Administrator Mark Mitton has been working on getting automated water and electric meters for years. After nearly a decade trying to find the funding, that dream is now a reality.

In August the Burley City Council approved a contract to purchase the system. Mitton explains how the new meters will improve efficiency.

"The new meters will transmit the readings to a receiver which will go into a website which we'll be able to access and download so we can generate our bills without having to physically go out and read meters."

Mitten also told us that the new meters will also fix several problems that have continually plagued city crews.

"Right now we can't read water meters in the winter. They get frozen down, they get ice packed. We will be able to get monthly readings all year round. It makes it more accurate, where don't have to catch up or give credits on water meters.

The new electric meters will also be more accurate and will have remote disconnect.

Even though the new system is bringing lots of good things with it, some residents have concerns. Burley resident John Chesley is concerned about city workers losing their jobs."It sounds great for efficiency and stuff, but I hope no one loses their job over it and we won't raise fees on stuff to pay for it."

The electric meters are set to be installed within one to two years and the water meters within two to three years.