(KMZA)--The City of Seneca is upgrading the way it reads water and electric meters.

At its July 1st meeting, the Seneca City Council approved the purchase of a new fixed-based automated meter reading system at a cost of just over 113-thousand dollars. The new system will eliminate the need for employees to collect meter readings in person or by drive-by, making the process more efficient.

In other business, the Council approved the purchase of a new fire truck chassis and cab from Honeyman Ford for nearly 50-thousand-700 dollars. The Fire Department will transfer the existing truck box to the new vehicle. It will replace a 2003 Chevy with 196-thousand miles that has been experiencing mechanical problems.

The Council also approved the purchase of a new Caterpillar 420 backhoe for the city's public works department at a cost of just over $96,000 after trading in the current machine.

Council members also approved the purchase of an Outifi AI call-answering system for 12-thousand-600 dollars, plus a one-time installation fee of 3-thousand dollars. The system will automate emergency notifications and handle incoming outage calls.

In addition the Council voted to allow food trucks to operate in Skoch Park during the Nemaha County Fair without requiring a permit through City Hall.