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Department of Finance
Reference: 2019 Utilities Fees
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip A. Rodriguez, City Manager
Prepared By: JD McCune, Utility Billing Supervisor
Ryan Johnson, Director of Urban & Public Policy
Date Prepared: November 12, 2018
PURPOSE:
To present the proposed 2019 Utilities Fee changes
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA:
Financially Responsible
Supportive, Sustainable Infrastructure
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
Typically, late in the fourth quarter of each year, the City Council is asked to adopt by resolution any amendments to the fees for water and wastewater services for the upcoming fiscal year. In October 2018, the City Manager launched the 75 Day Work Plan which is primarily focused on analysis of nearly all aspects of the budget, financial management, capital projects and service delivery within the Utilities Department. Some of the primary work efforts that are part of this plan are listed below:
- Propose to City Council that all utility rates be frozen at current rates until a new rate model can be developed.
- Immediately conduct an outside review of the most recent rate model to understand the utility rate progression from 2014-2018 and its impact on residents and businesses from a third party perspective.
- Identify, purchase and begin implementing a "Smart Reader System" that will focus billing cycles to a range of no more than 28-31 days each month, which allows for more consistent billing.
- Identify and hire a new utilities rate consultant to make sure we at the City know the right rates to charge that are fair, reasonable and equitable - for everyone.
- Review and propose new shut-off processes to ensure that our systems serve our residents and businesses well.
- Immediately issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for new City Auditors to include a specific review of the Utilities Fund.
Because of the abovementioned work efforts, staff is requesting that all the utility rates and fees remain at ...
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