7.
City Council Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 06/30/2015
- Co-Submitter:
- Ryan Roberts, Utilities Engineering Manager
- From:
- Brad Hill, Utilities Director
- Department:
- Utilities
Co-Submitter:
Ryan Roberts
TITLE:
Proposed Utilities Rates Adjustment - Timeline and Stakeholder Outreach Schedule. (Timeline for proposed utility rates adjustment).
DESIRED OUTCOME:
No action - staff will provide an update.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In accordance with City Council's adopted Water Policies A1, A2 & A3 - Enterprise Funding and Rate Design Elements, Utilities hired Willdan Financial Services to develop a financial plan and economic model for the Division's four enterprise funds; Water, Sewer, Reclaimed Water and Stormwater. The purpose for conducting a rate study is to carefully analyze and develop rates that are sufficient to fund the operation, maintenance and replacement of essential utility infrastructure (e.g., treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs, wells and stormwater facilities) while maintaining a commitment to affordability and transparency. The objective of the rate study is to ensure the City can responsibly invest in the infrastructure needed to provide round-the-clock, safe and reliable Utilities services to ensure the public's health and economic vitality of our community today and into the future.
Utilities is planning a public outreach effort over the next several months prior to staff asking the City Council to consider any adjustments to existing rates. Staff plans to meet with a variety of stakeholders to ensure our customers and community members are fully informed about the funding needs and rate requirements. Please refer to the attached timeline and list of upcoming stakeholder outreach efforts.
Utilities is planning a public outreach effort over the next several months prior to staff asking the City Council to consider any adjustments to existing rates. Staff plans to meet with a variety of stakeholders to ensure our customers and community members are fully informed about the funding needs and rate requirements. Please refer to the attached timeline and list of upcoming stakeholder outreach efforts.
INFORMATION:
COUNCIL GOALS:
2) Ensure Flagstaff has a long-term water supply for current and future needs
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan
8) Improve effectiveness of notification, communication, and engagement with residents, neighborhoods and businesses and about City services, programs, policies, projects and developments
9) Foster relationships and maintain economic development commitment to partners
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events
REGIONAL PLAN:
Policy WR.2.2 Maintain and develop facilities to provide reliable, safe and cost effective water, wastewater and reclaimed water services
Policy WR.3.9 Identify adequate funding sources to pay for new resources for a long-term renewable water supply
Policy WR.4.2 Maintain, at the City level, a financially stable utility to provide reliable, high quality utility services
2) Ensure Flagstaff has a long-term water supply for current and future needs
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
7) Address key issues and processes related to the implementation of the Regional Plan
8) Improve effectiveness of notification, communication, and engagement with residents, neighborhoods and businesses and about City services, programs, policies, projects and developments
9) Foster relationships and maintain economic development commitment to partners
11) Ensure that we are as prepared as possible for extreme weather events
REGIONAL PLAN:
Policy WR.2.2 Maintain and develop facilities to provide reliable, safe and cost effective water, wastewater and reclaimed water services
Policy WR.3.9 Identify adequate funding sources to pay for new resources for a long-term renewable water supply
Policy WR.4.2 Maintain, at the City level, a financially stable utility to provide reliable, high quality utility services