1. ADMINISTRATION
Presented by:
Phil Laney
Assistant City Manager
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WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE STUDY AND
METERING SYSTEM ASSESSMENT UPDATE
ITEM # 9
MAY 22, 2023

2. SUMMARY
 Willdan Financial approved to update water & sewer
rate study and conduct metering system assessment
 Study to analyze future operations, projects &
maintenance & customer fee rates to cover expenses
 Water meter assessment to compare existing
infrastructure with current systems
 Results of study & assessment anticipated prior to
Proposed Budget in August
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3. BACKGROUND
 In 2018 Willdan Financial completed rate study for City
 Recommended rate increases each year for 10 years
 October 2018 - Council adopted rate increases for 3
years, beginning March 2019
 No increases since March 2021
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Water Wastewater SAWS Passthrough
March 2019 5% 5% 5%
March 2020 (delayed until
July 2020)
5% 5% 5%
March 2021 5% 5% 5%

4. BACKGROUND – UTILITY FUND
 Utility Fund is self-sustaining fund
 Relies on user rates to pay for City’s water &
sewer system operations, debt service and
infrastructure improvements
 Updated rate study to recommend rates for the
next 10 years
 Reliable and efficient utility system
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5. 2023 RATE STUDY AND METER ASSESSMENT
 In February 2023, Council selected Willdan
Financial to conduct rate study & meter assessment
 Comparison of existing rates to surrounding cities
 Update rate study from 2018 with current
operating costs & revenues
 Provide forecast for 10 years with rate structure to
meet all operations & infrastructure improvements
 Include alternate rate structures for
consideration
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6. 2023 RATE STUDY AND METER ASSESSMENT
 Meter assessment comparing existing infrastructure
with current systems to identify gaps
 In late May/early June, sample of old meters to be
temporarily replaced by digital, cellular meters
 Testing of old meters to determine capabilities,
potential water loss
 After 90-120 day testing period, cellular meter to be
removed & old meter to be re-installed
 Approximately 30 residences
 No extra cost
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7. METER ASSESSMENT
 Meter testing group to be
contacted via door hangar &
email
 City Utilities staff to be
available for resident
questions during install
 Residents do not need to be
present
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8. 2023 RATE STUDY AND METER ASSESSMENT
 Preliminary results of water and sewer rate study &
meter assessment to be presented by Willdan prior
to Proposed Budget
 Timeline:
 May & June – Sample meters removed &
temporary cellular meters installed
 May & June – Rate study analysis
 June to September – Meter assessment conducted
 July – Preliminary results presented to Council8