HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-4.1. Selection of Consultant to Update Water Cost of Service StudyCONSENT ITEM E-4
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD
FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 28, 2022
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF CONSULTANT TO UPDATE WATER COST OF SERVICE STUDY
BACKGROUND:
Azusa Light & Water’s (ALW) last Cost of Service Study (CoSS) was conducted in 2015, which followed
the previous CoSS in 2009. With drought conditions not improving, increased water supply costs, on-
going conservation efforts slowing water usage/consumption, and the recent Executive Order N-7-22
issued by Governor Newsom, ALW Staff recommends the Utility Board authorize the approval to award
a contract to the low bidder Utility Financial Solutions (UFS) to prepare the updated water cost of service
study.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following action:
1)Approve the proposal by UFS to prepare a cost of service study for the Water Utility in the
amount of $36,300.00 (includes a 10% contingency); and
2)Approve a Purchase Order to UFS in the amount of $36,300.00.
ANALYSIS:
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order (ExO) N-7-22, issued March 28, 2022, called on urban water
suppliers to move to Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans. This would have suppliers
prepare for a water shortage level of up to 20 percent. Governor Newsom’s ExO also encourages water
suppliers “to voluntarily activate more stringent local requirements based on a shortage level of up to
thirty percent (Level 3).” ALW has responded by activating 2-day watering restrictions, effective June 1,
2022.
Given current drought conditions and uncertainty about future water supply conditions and mandates,
water rates need to be examined in order to ensure that they provide sufficient revenues to meet the Water
Approved
Utility Board
11/28/2022
Selection of Consultant Water Cost of Service Study
November 28, 2022
Page 2
Utility’s short and long-term financial needs, properly reflect the current cost of water supplies, and also
encourage conservation during periods of drought consistent with cost-of-service principles.
The last water “cost of service” study was conducted in 2015 and it is time to be updated. In July 2022,
the Utility Board authorized staff to issue a request for proposals to solicit estimates from qualified
consultants to prepare the updated study.
The purpose of the cost of service study is to examine the Water Utility’s rates to determine if they: 1) are
adequate to meet revenue requirements given reduced revenues resulting from high levels of conservation
as mandated by the State; 2) reflect current water supply costs; 3) encourage water conservation; 4)
provide the financial metrics needed to maintain adequate credit ratings; and 5) are sufficient to maintain
the required debt coverage ratios as stipulated in the Utility’s bond covenants.
Staff received the following three proposals:
Consulting Firm Price
NBS $50,500
Raftelis $50,000
(UFS) Utility Financial Solutions $33,000
Proposals were evaluated based on experience in completing similar studies in the past, qualifications and
availability of staff, comprehensiveness of the proposed work plan, and proposed compensation. In
reviewing the proposals, all three firms appear to have qualified project managers to perform the cost of
service study and presented detailed work plans in response. UFS proposed the lowest cost to provide
service. The proposal price of $33,000.00 includes the proposal of $24,000.00 plus a UFS estimated
$9,000.00 for in-person meetings for Staff and the Utility Board/City Council.
UFS was founded in 2001 and has worked with many water rate study clients including the Imperial
Irrigation District, City of Palo Alto, and currently the cities of Briggs and Gridley. UFS has committed
to three site visits at the city’s request in order to review their proposed financial forecasts and
recommended rate design.
Staff recommends that the Utility Board select UFS as the consulting firm to perform the updated water
cost of service study in the amount of $36,300 (includes a 10% contingency) and authorize the Mayor to
execute the contract. It is expected that the study will take three months to complete. Rates will not be
adjusted with approval of the recommended action. Any proposed rate adjustments must be approved by
the Utility Board/City Council at a duly noticed public hearing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No rate adjustments are associated with the approval of the recommended action. The cost for UFS to
perform the study is $36,300.00 including the 10% contingency. Funds for this project are budgeted and
available in the Water Division’s Special Studies budget account no. 32-40-721-790-6340.
Selection of Consultant Water Cost of Service Study
November 28, 2022
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Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Danny Smith Tikan Singh
Utilities Admin & Finance Manager General Manager
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachments:
1) Azusa Water Rate Study Estimates 2022