HomeMy WebLinkAboutBozeman W S Storm Rate Proposal - FCS GROUPCITY OF BOZEMANUTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISAUGUST 24, 2023CELEBRATING YEARS OF CLIENT SOLUTIONS3535
August 24, 2023Melissa Hodnett Finance DirectorCity of Bozeman121 N Rouse Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715RE: Utility Rate Consulting and Financial AnalysisDear Ms. Hodnett ,FCS GROUP understands that the City of Bozeman (City) wishes to take a fresh look at the current status and future needs of its utilities, with the primary goal of ensuring that the City’s utility rates are suffi cient to fund the utilities’ needs and proportionally recover the costs of providing service to the City’s various customer classes. Based on our understanding of the City’s needs and goals, we believe that we are well positioned to help the City successfully adopt rate and capital funding strategies that allow for continued viability of the critical utility infrastructure that is the backbone of a fast growing and thoughtfully developed community.FCS GROUP is pleased to submit this proposal to serve as the City’s Consultant of Record for the Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Financial Analysis. In support of this eff ort, the proposed comprehensive rate study off ers a tailored modeling toolset that establishes a framework for understanding the City’s current operational baseline and developing a plan to fund system capacity expansion in response to rapid economic development while enhancing conservation eff orts. The custom designed Excel-based modeling toolset will be available to the City by the end of the year and will be built to evaluate important decisions including capital funding strategies, increased costs of regulatory compliance, enhanced conservation program costs and determination of desired service levels. It will be important for this study to clearly defi ne the cost basis for rates imposed on the community and fairly apportion cost recovery following the actual demand patt erns of diff erent customers who use the system. It is our practice to link fi nancial requirements and rate structures back to a defi ned need in the system and to the historical demands of the customer base associated with that need. Our goal is to off er the City a “nimble” modeling tool that will establish cost based, equitable and aff ordable rates and allow the City to focus on enhancing the quality of life in Bozeman by safely maintaining, improving, and managing dependable and effi cient utility systems.7525 166th Ave. NE, Ste. D-215 / Redmond, WA 98052 / (425) 867-1802 / fcsgroup.comFCS GROUP is a leader in utility fi nancial planning in the West. In fact, in April, we completed a stormwater post construction program rate overview for the City, as well as recent utility rate engagements in Billings, Helena, and Missoula. Some of the distinct att ributes off ered by our dedicated team of industry leaders and analytical experts include the following: • We are rate practitioners with direct experience off ering the most suitable rate approaches to advance the City’s evolving goals and objectives. • We have water, wastewater, and stormwater rate experience that is unrivaled and have completed over 3,000 utility rate studies for clients in the Western US. Our qualifi cations will show the range of experience in similar eff orts.• Our project team members are active leaders, participants, and contributors in regional associations and national committ ees that set the standards for rate-sett ing including American Water Works Association and American Public Works Association. • We provide high quality, eff ective and professional services to our clients. Our project team will bring fresh perspective and guide the City through steady focus and clear communication. • We have the breadth and depth of experience, and the capacity needed to provide exceptional service to the City of Bozeman. This lett er serves to confi rm receipt of answers to questions on August 10, 2023. As principal-in-charge, I, Angie Sanchez Virnoche, am duly authorized to execute a contract on behalf of FCS GROUP. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (425) 336-4157 or angies@fcsgroup.com if you have any questions.We look forward to the privilege of working with the City again. Sincerely,FCS GROUPAngie Sanchez Virnoche Principal-in-Charge CELEBRATING YEARS OF CLIENT SOLUTIONS3535AiS hVi h
TABLE OF CONTENTSProject Description and Approach 1Firm Qualifi cations and Experience 8Project Team 14Cost Proposal 19Appendix A - Non Discrimination and Equal Pay Affi rmation Appendix B - Resumes
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 1A STRUCTURED METHOD TO ARRIVE AT CONCLUSIONS We are familiar with the kinds of challenges that cities like Bozeman face: to manage the pace of robust economic development while continuing to provide critical services to the community in a way that conserves available resources. Long range planning is key to ensuring capacity for growth is available when it’s needed and to fostering continued sustainability for an already high-performance organization. We follow a structured method to arrive at conclusions, which enables us to perform the work in an orderly, effi cient, and results-oriented manner tailored to match the City’s unique policies, practices, and att ributes. Except where indicated otherwise, all tasks will be completed for the City’s water, sewer, and stormwater utilities.FCS GROUP’s primary specialty is understanding the specifi c needs of each individual client and together formulating an approach that suits their needs. Our recommendations off er solutions that bring fi scal sustainability, resource effi ciency, proportionality, and transparency to the rates needed to recover utility costs.ApproachThe following work tasks include the Model Architecture, Cost-of-Service, and Rate Design components noted in the City’s RFP. In performing the rate study, we have organized our work eff orts into major tasks that correspond with the core technical aspects identifi ed in your scope of work and process points designed to foster a smooth, informed, and interactive study. This illustrated process has been used to successfully complete similar rate studies and to maximize the opportunity for input and education for involved parties. There are clear junctures within the fl ow of work where input and direction are ideal to not only review preliminary outcomes with City staff , but also to engage on key policy issues. These milestone points will yield opportunities to gain input and provide for timely, well-rounded infl uence into the rate study process. There is a great deal of fl exibility in this approach to best accommodate your objectives or “hands-on” involvement in the process. We have found that the most successful rate studies are the ones that emphasize collaboration and education. Involving all parties in the process and spending the time educating staff and the public throughout the rate study process, results in a much greater implementation success rate.PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 2Task PlanTASK 1 | PROJECT INITIATIONAt the beginning of the project, FCS GROUP will att end an initial “kickoff ” meeting with the City’s project team. Ideally, this meeting would include representatives from departments that address fi nancial, engineering, customer service, and administrative issues.Deliverables• Project schedule with task completion and key milestone review points.• Identifi cation of project team communication leads.TASK 1 KEY POINT This meeting will establish a foundation for the project, focusing the eff orts of the project team on the key issues to be addressed and resolved during the study process. It will cover the project scope, objectives, deliverables, schedule, and appropriate lines of communication.TASK 2 | DATA COLLECTIONFCS GROUP will provide a data needs list to the City outlining key fi nancial information required to complete the tasks outlined in the proposed work plan and kickoff meeting and will review/validate data provided for inclusion in the study.Deliverables• Validated fi nancial, engineering, and customer billing data that serves as the primary inputs for the analysis.TASK 2 KEY POINT Validating the data used in the study promotes analytical consistency and integrity throughout the rate study process. The process can uncover data anomalies that would otherwise impact the forecasts and allocations developed in the study. Data templates can be provided to facilitate the data gathering process. TASK 3 | MODEL ARCHITECTUREA streamlined fi nancial planning model forms the framework and foundation for the rate study analysis. In this task, new models will be developed for all three utilities that align with the City’s current expense structure and incorporate the key performance and cost measures to monitor, track and improve the planning and delivery of City utility services. Exhibit A features an example fi nancial plan dashboard.Deliverables• New comprehensive utility rate models that are tailored to the specifi c needs of the City and allow for sensitivity analyses around various capital funding and rate strategy scenarios. TASK 3 KEY POINT Work collaboratively with the City’s fi nance department to build custom rate models that eff ectively communicate key drivers to stakeholders and allow for ease of use at the staff level. Each rate model is tailored to each utility’s needs from budget data drops to individual loan requirements and capital scheduling fl exibility, the modeling toolset aids in evaluating impacts of changes in key assumptions.Exhibit A: Example Financial Plan Dashboard
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 3TASK 4 | FINANCIAL PLANThe initial technical component in the rate study process involves developing a multi-year fi nancial plan that meets each utility’s projected needs. Utilizing the newly developed rate models, this plan will focus primarily on a fi ve-year planning period but will consider longer-term projections (20 years) with the goal of promoting a long-term strategy of stable and moderate rate adjustments.This task analyzes annual cash fl ow needs to operate and manage the system (including cost increases resulting from changes in staffi ng and/or enhanced conservation programs or other initiatives), capital project needs, debt service, and policy-driven needs (e.g. capital funding through rates). It includes preparation of up to three (3) scenarios based on changes in economic assumptions, growth rates, capital costs, or other factors of interest to the City. Deliverables• Financial plan that includes a strategy of rate revenue increases that will meet the City’s goals and can serve as the basis for across-the-board adjustments to the City’s existing rate structures.TASK 4 KEY POINT This analysis enables the City to proactively plan for the future by evaluating and quantifying the sensitivity associated with changes in the underlying assumptions. It’s a tool that will allow the City to anticipate future challenges in revenue and expense imbalances and make a plan for corrective action, if needed. Task 4 results in the fi rst key deliverable to the City, the tailored rate model inclusive of a long-term fi nancial plan and rate strategy for each utility.A tailored fi nancial plan was the foundation of the City of Missoula Stormwater and Impact Fee Analysis. The City was facing the need for signifi cant near-term infrastructure investments and the detailed fi nancial plan allowed the City to identify the ideal funding strategy to fully fund its stormwater enterprise with user charges and to fi nance crucial capital projects within its fi ve-year plan.TASK 5 | COST-OF-SERVICE ANALYSIS (WATER AND SEWER) – LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS (STORMWATER)The second analytical step in the rate study process is broken up between a detailed cost allocation analysis for the water and sewer utilities (Task 5a) and a level of service analysis for the stormwater utility (Task 5b). Concentrating on the water and sewer utilities fi rst, the cost of service analysis outlined for Task 5a involves allocating utility costs to customer classes based on a methodology consistent with industry-accepted ratemaking principles. This analysis establishes a defensible basis for assigning cost shares and defi ning “cost equity” among the City’s customers in a way that is tailored to the unique characteristics of the City’s utility systems and customers. The cost-of-service analysis (COSA) must account for diff erences in the character and nature of service provided to various customer classes when defi ning “equitable” cost recovery.The COSA develops a series of functional allocations that distribute cost pools to classes of customers linked to a proportionate share of costs required to serve their demand. Specifi c consideration will be given to total utility costs in relationship to the functions identifi ed below. Functions of Water/Sewer Utility ServiceWater SewerBase capacity (average demand) Flow (includes infl ow and infi ltrationPeak capacity (peak demand)Strength (BOD/TSS/Phosphorous/Nitrogen/Other)Fire protection Customer serviceCustomer serviceThe COSA evaluates how existing revenue compares to the identifi ed cost recovery by class of service. Results of the COSA can show the need for signifi cant shift s among classes , which can compound the impacts of aggregate increases resulting from the fi nancial plan. Recognizing the need to balance the objective of equitable cost recovery with other objectives such as rate aff ordability, this task will include the development of a plan to phase in any shift s resulting from the COSA.Deliverables• An allocation of the water and sewer utility’s costs to functions of service and customer classes, which will inform potential rate structure revisions to improve equity and consistency with the City’s current cost structures.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 4TASK 5A KEY POINT Since the City’s last COSA took place in 2019, this updated analysis will either verify the fi ndings of that study or inform a change in course to improve the consistency of the City’s rates with the current cost structures of its utilities. These cost structures can change over time with changes in operations , capital investment and related debt service. The COSA can also be aff ected by changes to customer usage patt erns as the City adjusts pricing signals to advance diff erent goals and objectives, such as conservation. As customers react to strong conservation signals, for example, they may reduce usage and therefore their share of allocated costs. Finally, a COSA allows for periodic review of the system’s largest users to ensure cost-based rates. A detailed cost of service analysis was used to guide the City of Bend Water Reclamation rate design restructuring to concentrate on the strength of effl uent contributed from commercial wastewater customers. The COSA established unit costs for fi ve non-residential strength categories including costs associated with industrial pretreatment and additional costs of administering the extra strength charge program. Due to the large adjustments that were required for these customers, a multi-year phase-in was developed. Recent updates to the COSA confi rmed revenues in alignment with allocated costs and highlight a successful cost of service phase-in strategy. For Task 5b, the stormwater level of service analysis, FCS GROUP will build on our recent engagement with the City of Bozeman, Stormwater Post-Construction Program Review & Recommendations, in partnership with the City’s consulting engineer. Based on this study, FCS GROUP understands that:• Over the past couple of years, the City’s stormwater operating costs have increased faster than rate revenues, which has reduced the amount of rate revenue that is available for capital;• The City is undergoing an evaluative process for its stormwater ponds and will undergo similar evaluations across a variety of categories and program elements; and• These evaluations may identify additional operating and / or capital needs. Under each element, key variables such as inspection frequency, team size, required equipment, the cost and timescale of deferred maintenance and capital improvements, etc. could impact a funding plan.An eff ective stormwater rate analysis would include all key elements of the stormwater program simultaneously instead of one to two at a time, allowing decision-makers to prioritize various elements against funding constraints. Oft en these service levels include “existing,” “regulatory compliance,” “proactive,” and sometimes “optimal” or simply “bronze,” “silver,” and “gold.” City staff and / or its consulting engineer will estimate the costs of achieving each service level in each program element. FCS GROUP will use the tailored fi nancial models, developed in Task 3, to calculate the rates for each service level and compile the results in a matrix format for communication to elected offi cials.Deliverables• Determination of revenue requirement results in a matrix format, describing service level options by program or service line, and corresponding rates for up to four (4) levels of service.TASK 5B KEY POINT This task will enable us to present the City Commission with a set of rate options and a clear understanding of the services that can be expected for each level of rates and resulting funding. An example level of service matrix (Exhibit B) was developed in coordination with the City of Bozeman’s consulting engineer and included in a Stormwater Utility Rate Study Overview presentation given to City staff in April 2023. This illustrates how service level options and rates can be eff ectively presented to decision makers.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 5Exhibit B: Level of Service MatrixTASK 6 | RATE DESIGNThis fi nal analytical step in the rate study process involves developing rates (including both fi xed and variable charges) for each customer class that recovers its allocated cost. In addition to serving as a mechanism for cost recovery, the City’s rate structures are a valuable tool for promoting key objectives such as revenue stability, conservation, and aff ordability. Recognizing that the City’s prioritization of these objectives can change over time, this task includes the development of up to two (2) alternative rate structures for each utility. Each rate alternative will be designed to generate suffi cient revenue to meet the revenue requirement forecast and address any material inequities identifi ed in the COSA fi ndings. In addition, rate designs will be consistent with the City’s fi scal policies and billing system capabilities.Deliverables• Up to two (2) rate structure alternatives for each utility that align with identifi ed City priorities. • In addition, a fi ve-year schedule of rates will be developed for each class and utility. We will prepare a bill impact analysis that shows at least three customers per classifi cation, including sample data for one calendar year and a comparative survey of sample monthly bills for up to fi ve (5) jurisdictions of interest to the City.Program Element Bronze Silver GoldDeferred Maintenance 40-year completion 30-year completion 20-year completionCapital Improvements 40-year completion 30-year completion 20-year completionOperation & MaintenanceReactive: (ponds, culverts)Proactive: (inlets, manholes, WQ)Reactive: (culverts)Proactive: (inlets, manholes, WQ, ponds)Proactive: (inlets, manholes, WQ, ponds, culverts)MS4 ComplianceMeet Minimum RequirementsMeet AnticipatedFuture RequirementsMeet AnticipatedFuture RequirementsProgram AdministrationStatus QuoMore quickly address complaintsEnhance GIS capabilities+ Robust public outreachOther Address Bank Erosion+ Address Bozeman Creek Flooding+ Snow StorageMonthly Rate $ $$ $$$TASK 6 KEY POINT Rate design enables innovative approaches to cost recovery and can be a tool for sending the appropriate price signals to meet City priorities and objectives. Noting that the City implemented multiple rate design modifi cations during the last study, the priority of this task will be to evaluate the changes made to ensure they are achieving the identifi ed policy goals and propose any additional changes to best align with the City’s priorities around conservation, revenue stability and aff ordability. Detailed review of the City’s billing statistics will help determine whether existing conservation-based rates are achieving the desired reduction in use while bill frequency analysis can provide further detail into the impact of tier threshold changes in furthering conservation eff orts. Recent analytical work for the City of Peoria highlights an example where price signals were used to communicate water supply shortages. In response to heightened drought levels earlier in the year, the City desired to implement a drought surcharge schedule that is designed to recover the City’s total fi nancial obligations under six drought scenarios that escalate in severity. A multi-year bill frequency analysis was performed to understand how water moved through the tier thresholds of the existing rate structure before applying phased reductions and determining surcharge levels for revenue neutrality. Key to the surcharge development was preserving the fi rst tier as a life-line tier, with no surcharge applied. As water supply constraints continue to plague the Southwest, the drought surcharge schedule can be activated by the City Manager quickly, to address both demand management and fi nancial stability.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 6TASK 7 | DOCUMENTATIONFCS GROUP will prepare a writt en report documenting the process, methodology, key assumptions, results and recommendations of the comprehensive cost of service study. Deliverables• The City will receive an electronic copy of the draft and fi nal deliverables. We will provide the report and rate models in Microsoft Word and Excel formats, respectively.TASK 7 KEY POINT The report and detailed rate models will provide the City with supporting documentation for the recommended rates. This information will be helpful during the process of adopting the updated charges, as well as providing a foundation for future updates.TASK 8 | MEETINGS AND PUBLIC PROCESSThe success of a rate study relies on an open and involved process for informing and educating the City Commission and ratepayers on the rate study process. This task includes our att endance and participation in up to six (6) review meetings with City staff and two (2) meetings with the City Commission, including development of presentation materials. We envision that the staff -level review meetings will be conducted virtually, while the Commission meetings will be conducted as in-person meetings. As the technical components move toward completion, results will need to be communicated to the public, as well as the Commission. The project team is available to assist the City in determining the best communication strategy and medium. We have assisted utilities with a one-page information sheet, newslett ers, frequently asked questions, on-line bill calculators, dedicated rate study webpages and open house forums.Deliverables• FCS GROUP’s att endance at up to six (6) staff -level review meetings and two (2) Commission meetings. • Presentation (or other informational) materials developed for these meetings.TASK 8 KEY POINT Our approach has outlined key milestone review points for City staff to examine key assumptions and alternative strategies before fi nalizing the study. We will develop transparent, understandable and graphically driven informational materials and tools to roll out a multi-year rate schedule for education and input.TASK 9 | MODEL TRAINING (OPTIONAL)As an optional task, to familiarize staff more thoroughly with the newly created rate models, Task 9 encompasses three components to help facilitate internal use of the rate models:• A half (1/2) day virtual model training session will be completed. The training workshop will walk the user from model beginning to end including analysis overview, key policy elements, rate model characteristics, explanation of worksheets and how to use the model. Ultimately, staff will “graduate” with a developed understanding of what makes the model work and how to run sensitivity analyses/scenarios.• To follow up the training session, also included are eight hours of on-call assistance so staff can reach out with questions aft er the initial engagement as updates are made to the model internally. • To further aid staff understanding, also included in Task 9 is a detailed user guide providing documentation related to model functionality and use for internal updates and scenario development.Deliverables• Virtual half-day training session (recorded if desired) as a staff training tool, follow-up on call assistance and detailed model user guide.TASK 9 KEY POINT Reliability and transparency are key to long term use and routine updates of fi nancial models. FCS GROUP strives to ensure that our customized rate models are complex enough to run multiple rate strategy scenarios and answer detailed cost allocation questions while still allowing ease of use and understanding at the staff level.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT DESCRIPTION AND APPROACH 7ScheduleTechnical Tasks Oct/23 Nov/23 Dec/23 Jan/24 Feb/24 Mar/24 Apr/24 May/23Task 1: Kick-Off MeetingTask 2: Data Collection / ValidationTask 3: Model ArchitectureTask 4: Revenue RequirementTask 5: Cost of Service / Level of ServiceTask 6: Rate DesignTask 7: DocumentationTask 8: Meetings and Public Process(six staff -level review mtgs are identifi ed in Tasks 3-6 )Task 9: Model Training (optional)
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISFIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 8FCS GROUP, ESTABLISHED IN 1988, IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED INDEPENDENT PROVIDERS OF FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND UTILITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.With over 4,000 engagements for more than 650 government clients, FCS GROUP provides best-in-class analytical solutions that off ers our clients the clarity they need to solve their most complex issues in ways tailored specifi cally to their own communities. As a private practice dedicated exclusively to state and local government issues, we have accumulated the expertise and the perspective that makes a real diff erence for the clients we serve. Each engagement is a highly personalized, entirely customized experience led by one of our most senior principals who will be your partner in building the solutions and outcomes you need.At FCS GROUP, we understand that every municipal agency faces its own unique challenges. Our success and reputation comes from the ability to listen to clients and produce customized study results that can be easily implemented and understood by everyone.Our management and technical staff serve clients throughout the U.S. from four offi ces located in Spokane and Redmond, Washington, Boulder, Colorado, and Lake Oswego, Oregon.FIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEServicesUTILITY RATE AND FEE CONSULTING FCS GROUP has performed over 3,000 utility fi nance and rate development projects for local communities including defi ning revenue requirements with comprehensive fi nancial modeling tools, performing long-term capital management strategies, developing full cost-of-service rates, and legally-defensible system development charges. We work with agencies large and small in urban and suburban areas, rural systems, regions with seasonal/climate sensitivities, and communities with special commercial/industrial needs. We are experts and educators in utility rate policies and practices, and are att entive to legal constraints in every location we work. We have invested time with agency staff , policymakers, stakeholders, and customers to improve your utility’s long-term fi nancial health and integrity.UTILITY MANAGEMENT FCS GROUP off ers tailored business management solutions. We assist with the formation and merger of utilities, perform cost-benefi t analyses, develop strategic business plans, and negotiate complicated wholesale agreements—helping your utility maintain its resiliency in an ever-changing environment.ECONOMIC AND FUNDING STRATEGIESFCS GROUP economists help governments create vibrant sustainable communities. We model the fi scal and social return on public investments and provide creative ways of funding projects and services. Challenges turn into opportunities as we support goals aimed at fair housing and job creation.GENERAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSISFCS GROUP fi nancial consultants specialize in helping local and state governments, regional agencies and public safety entities address and solve issues involving policy objectives, public fi nance, cost recovery, facility fi nancing and long-term facility reinvestment funding, and organizational performance. We have a broad understanding and specifi c expertise on local and state government policymaking; how the many diff erent governmental functions are performed; and what role elected offi cials, the public, community organizations and employees have in making governments responsive to community needs.REGIONAL EXPERTSFCS GROUP provides utility rate sett ing throughout the Rocky Mountain states of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico. In April, FCS GROUP completed a stormwater rate overview for the City of Bozeman as part of the stormwater facility plan update. Recently, FCS GROUP has been assisting the City of Billings with a level of service assessment and fi nancial analysis for the City’s stormwater program. In recent years, FCS GROUP has also performed comprehensive utility rate studies for the cities of Missoula and Helena. The following pages highlight our vast qualifi cations throughout the West.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISFIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 9UTILITY FINANCIAL CONSULTING AND ECONOMIC FORECASTING (2013 – PRESENT)CITY OF BEND, ORSince 2013, the City has retained FCS GROUP annually to update the water, sewer and storm water fi nancial plans and rate strategies as the City moves forward with signifi cant infrastructure projects and rate structure modernization. Project Highlights: • Comprehensive water, wastewater and stormwater cost of service rate studies that involved developing 30-year fi nancial plans and rate strategies that are recalibrated annually.• Evaluated fi nancing alternatives associated with funding a combined $1.1 billion in capital infrastructure investment identifi ed in the utility’s comprehensive plans. Funding alternatives looked at conventional revenue bond funding as well as low-interest loan and grant funding provided through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).• Detailed customer statistics analysis used to develop future demand forecasts by major customer category, allowing for diff erent growth rates by class, resulting in revenue forecasts that refl ect the sensitivity of demand changes. • Customized rate model facilitating real-time sensitivity analyses resulting from changes to growth, debt funding, capital timing and rate increase phasing. • Evaluated alternative customer classifi cations including single-family, multi-family, commercial, irrigation and large users for the water system and evaluated 5 strength categories – standard, low, medium, high, and super high for the sewer system.• Cost of service analysis evaluated distribution of cost allocation under current and new WWTP expansion. • Rate modernization included developing a sewer rate option that considered maintaining existing fl at rate for residential, eliminating the 1,000 cubic foot allowance and changing to volume-based rates for all sewer customer classes.• Developed initial rates and established rate diff erentials for the 5 high strength classes.• Rate structure prioritization conducted with City Council to provide consistency when evaluating rate design alternatives.• Att ended multiple workshops with the City’s Infrastructure Advisory Committ ee and City Council, as well as separate City Council workshops for each utility to understand distinct issues, fi ndings, and alternatives.Key Personnel: Angie Sanchez Virnoche, Principal-in-Charge Brooke Tacia, Project ManagerJohn Ghilarducci, PrincipalReference: Dana Wilson, Program Manager (541) 388-5566dwilson@bendoregon.govRecent Experience with Similar Projects
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISFIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 10WATER AND SEWER RATES AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FEES (2021)CITY OF HELENA, MTFCS GROUP performed a water and sewer rate and system development fee study for the City. This study, still ongoing, also included the exploration of many diff erent policy topics with considerations made for Montana law. Project Highlights: • Developed comprehensive rate studies and recommended overall rate adjustments to fund each utility.• Analyzed cost-of-service analyses to identify the equitable cost for each class of service.• Explored many policy topics with a Montana focus and some new topics such as rates for RV dumping sites.• Provided several rate design options to help improve the City’s revenue stability, conservation signals, and class equity.• Calculated a system development fee for each utility.• Presented fi ndings to the City Commission and summarized fi ndings in two (2) reports.Key Personnel: John Ghilarducci, Principal-in-Charge Tage Aaker, Project ManagerReference: Ryan Leland, Public Works Director(406) 447-8433rleland@helenamt.govWATER, SEWER AND STORMWATER RATE STUDY (2018 )CITY OF MISSOULA, MTAs part of a multi-utility rate study, FCS GROUP assisted the City with the unique challenges each utility was facing. The City identifi ed nearly $184 million in capital investment needs. Key in this process was engaging the Council and public.Project Highlights: • Worked directly with City staff to develop scenarios to address the $60 million in capital investments necessary for the water utility. Rate structures were updated to include a base charge and fl ow charge for all classes, including residential. Development of a new mixed use policy using a rate hierarchy to simplify and streamline billing. • Developed a rate structure for the stormwater utility based in part on vehicle trip generation by land use to align with the City’s development regulations.• Wrote issue papers on fi scal policies, rate structures and system development charges to guide and update city policies and practices. • Created the ability for the City to fully fund all three of its enterprise funds with a balance of user charges and outside funding to fi nance crucial capital projects within its fi ve-year plan.• Developed updated rate schedules for stormwater and wastewater to bett er align costs with how customers use the system. • Calculated system development charges for water, wastewater and stormwater to establish a steady revenue stream for each utility to be used for expansion related capital costs – ensuring a mechanism for growth to pay for growth long term.Key Personnel: John Ghilarducci, Project Principal Stormwater Angie Sanchez Virnoche , Project Principal Water/Sewer Reference: Logan McInnis, P.E., Deputy Director of Utilities(406) 552-6766mcinnisl@ci.missoula.mt.us
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISFIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 11WATER, SEWER, AND SANITATION RATE STUDY (2021 – 2022)CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDFCS GROUP was engaged to perform a rate study for the water, sewer, and sanitation utilities. The main purpose was to develop a funding plan for the 2023-2030 study period, update the water and sewer availability fees, and conduct a cost-of-service analysis.Project Highlights: • Performed a water, sewer, and sanitation utility rate study to forecast revenue requirements and fund $73 million in combined future capital projects.• Drivers for the sanitation capital improvement plan (CIP) included a new garbage truck in 2025, and replacement trucks every other year. The sewer CIP costs were driven by a need for a new treatment plant (costs from 2021-2026), and the water CIP was driven by the need for additional storage, a new water shop and an additional well facility.• Rate path required 3-years of 19% increases for water and 3-years of 25% increases in sewer. Council approved the initial step of these multi-year increases to be revisited annually. • Update water and sewer availability fees, recommended changes for consistency and administrative ease.• Complete the fi rst water and sewer cost-of-service analysis for the City. • Craft ed a unique strength analysis for the sewer utility which brought together multiple engineering planning sources, as well as actual system data. This helped to create an accurate BOD, TSS and PHOS. dollar per pound estimate.• Rate design created a water 3-tiered rate structure for the residential class and updated industrial class strength charges to guide the cost-of-service results.• Conducted both a rate and availability fee survey with 4 other similar jurisdictions demonstrating where Blackfoot compares to its peers. • Recommended rate increases for all three utilities, and water and sewer fee updates.Key Personnel: Angie Sanchez Virnoche, PrincipalTage Aaker, Project ManagerReference:Marc Carroll, Mayor(208) 785-2756mayor@cityofb lackfoot.org WATER, SEWER, AND SOLID WASTE COST OF SERVICE RATE STUDY (2020 – 2021)CITY OF PEORIA, AZFCS GROUP conducted a cost of service study to evaluate revenue suffi ciency and equity of revenue generation amongst existing customer classes.Project Highlights: • Developed tailored rate models to perform a ten-year revenue requirement analysis considering operating and maintenance expenditures, capital costs, existing and future debt requirements, and achievement of identifi ed fi scal policies.• Performed a cost allocation analysis to create a defensible basis for assigning cost shares and establishing equity for utility customers based on facility requirements as well as customer specifi c demand requirements.• Determined the allocation of recycled water costs to match the recycling costs with the water supply and wastewater treatment portion of the process to help align revenue generation with the cost each utility incurs to provide reclaimed water services.• Developed a multi-year rate strategy, showing infl ationary increases to satisfy all fi nancial obligations including $427 million in capital expenditures.• Created drought surcharges to help mitigate ongoing water supply issues in the area. Surcharges were developed to align with staged demand reductions ranging from a minor drought scenario requiring 5 percent demand reduction to a severe drought scenario requiring 50 percent demand reduction. A multi-year bill frequency analysis was performed to understand how water moved through tier thresholds of the existing rate structure before applying phased reductions and determining variable rate surcharge levels for revenue neutrality. Key to the surcharge development was preserving the fi rst tier as a life-line tier, with no surcharge applied.• Cost of service and rate study was also completed for the solid waste utility.• All proposed rate strategies were approved by the City Council in February 2021.Key Personnel: Brooke Tacia, Project ManagerReference:Ben Beutler, Budget Coordinator (623) 773-7527 benjamin.beutler@peoriaaz.gov
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISFIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 12Select Regional Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Development ExperienceClientFiscal Policy Eval.Revenue Req. Cost of Service Rate Design Dev. Fee / ChargeBozeman, MT•Alderwood Water/Sewer District, WA•••••Anchorage, AK ••••Auburn, WA•••••Aurora, CO•••••Bainbridge Island, WA•••••Bellevue, WA ••••Bellingham, WA•••••Blackfoot, ID• •••Boise, ID••••Bonney Lake, WA•••••Bothell, WA•••••Bremerton, WA•••••Camas, WA•••••Castle Rock, CO•••••Central Point, OR•••••Centralia, WA•••••Cheyenne, WY•••••Coeur d’Alene, ID•• • •Colorado Springs, CO•••Cornelius, OR•••••Cott age Grove, OR•••••Edmonds, WA•••••Everett , WA•••••Gillett e, WY•••••Hayden, ID•• • •Helena, MT•• • •Kent, WA•••••Las Cruces, NM •••Lakehaven Utility District, WA•••••Lakewood Water District, WA•••••Lake Oswego, OR•••••Las Vegas, NV••••Lewiston, ID •• • •
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISFIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 13ClientFiscal Policy Eval.Revenue Req. Cost of Service Rate Design Dev. Fee / ChargeLongview, WA•••••Loveland, CO•••••Lynnwood, WA•••••Mercer Island, WA•••••Missoula, MT•••Monroe, WA•••••Moscow, ID••••Mukilteo Water/Sewer District, WA•••••Nampa, ID•••••Northglenn, CO••••North Bend, WA•••••Olympia, WA•••••Pagosa Springs, CO•••••Parker Water and San District, CO•••••Peoria, AZ •••Port Angeles, WA•••••Portland Water Bureau, OR•Post Falls, ID•• • •Richland, WA•••••Rangeview Metropolitan District, CO•••Redmond, OR••••Redmond, WA•••••Renton, WA•••••Sacramento, CA•••Sammamish Water/Sewer District, WA•••••Santa Fe, NM•••••Scott sdale, AZ •••••Sheridan, WY•••••Snoqualmie, WA•••••Sumner, WA•••••Surprise, AZ•• •Tacoma, WA•••••Telluride, CO••••Vancouver, WA•••••Walla Walla, WA•••••Washougal, WA•••••
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT TEAM 14FCS GROUP is promoting a small, focused team who will be available and committ ed to work on this engagement for its duration. Angie Sanchez Virnoche, principal-in-charge, will anchor your team as a nationally recognized policy and rate development expert. She will be supported by our project management team, tailored for this eff ort - Tage Aaker, stormwater expert and current consultant to the City will lead the stormwater eff orts. Project manager, Brooke Tacia, will manage the water and sewer eff orts. With a staff that includes over 30 utility rate experts, FCS GROUP maintains the necessary depth, breadth, and capacity to deliver this project on time and within budget. Our project organization is summarized here. A summary of each individual’s experience is included on the following pages with resumes included in Appendix A.PROJECT TEAMAngie Sanchez VirnochePRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGEBrooke TaciaPROJECT MANAGERWater and SewerJohn GhilarducciTECHNICAL ADVISORTage AakerPROJECT MANAGERStormwaterYour Known ExpertsStormwater experts John Ghilarducci and Tage Aaker recently completed the City’s Stormwater Post Construction Program Rate Overview in April 2023. This project included rate structure and rate credit review, funding strategies, and presentation to the City alongside our engineering partner, Dowl.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT TEAM 15Angie Sanchez Virnoche PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE• Principal-in-charge on 20 multi-utility (water, sewer, stormwater) rate study engagements since 2018. • AWWA Rates and Charges Committ ee - involved in authoring the 7th edition and serving on the editorial committ ee of the 8th edition M1 Manual on Water Rates, Fees and Charges.• Served on the EPA Financial Advisory Board advising on fi scal sustainability, conservation, and aff ordability – notably involved with task force evaluating Stormwater Infrastructure Funding and Financing submitt ing a report to Congress on the study results and recommendations. Angie Sanchez Virnoche is an FCS GROUP principal and shareholder with 30 years of experience providing fi nancial and rate development services in a variety of capacities for water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and electric utilities. Her project work includes policy development, multi-year fi nancial plans and rate strategies, cost-of-service equity studies, rate design restructuring and modernization, capital funding prioritization, renewal and replacement funding evaluations, cost benefi t analyses, reserve analysis, and community education and involvement. Angie’s experience includes multi-utility rate studies for cities throughout US, including Missoula, MT, Galena, AK, Blackfoot, ID, Moscow, ID, Sandpoint, ID, Auburn, WA, Camas, WA, Kennewick, WA, Olympia, WA, and Bend, OR. Additional project experience includes:CITY OF POST FALLS, IDWASTEWATER RATE STUDY AND FINANCIAL CONSULTINGAngie has provided the City of Post Falls with expert level guidance through fi ve projects so far, inclusive of water and water reclamation capacity fee studies, a sewer fi nancial plan, sewer rate modeling, and an indirect cost allocation plan. Engagement highlights include:• 2012 and 2022 studies to develop a 20-year fi nancial plan with annual rate strategy. Resulting rate strategy in support of ongoing operations and maintenance expenses, existing debt, depreciation funding and an estimated $417 million of anticipated projects identifi ed in the collection system and water reclamation facility plans. • Capital funding plan developed to optimize alternative funding sources related to reserve funds, capitalization fees, low interest loans and revenue bonds. • Issue paper to council comparing impact fees and capitalization fees.• Provided on-call model training in support of staff updating the multi-year fi nancial plan (2015).• Updated the water and water reclamation capacity fees (2016) to comply with the methodology identifi ed in the Idaho Supreme Court decision (NIBCA v. City of Hayden). Subsequently developed a user guide to update capacity fees.CITY OF MOSCOW, IDWATER AND SEWER COST OF SERVICE RATE AND CONNECTION FEE STUDYAngie began her engagement with the City of Moscow in 2012 with the initial water, sewer and sanitation rate study. An update was completed in 2019 to perform a water and sewer cost of service rate update and connection fee study. The rate analysis covers the period from 2020-2030 to coincide with the City’s capital improvement program ($35 million combined total). Highlights include:• Development of capital funding plan to execute the anticipated capital plan• Incorporate annual system reinvestment targets• Analyzed revenue requirements to ensure that operating and capital reserve fund balances were always within the recommended range. • Evaluated the cost of service, allocating the revenue requirements among customer classes and determining the cost burden that each customer class places on the water and sewer systems.• Simplifi ed the non-residential sewer rate structure from business type to low, medium and high strength categories.• Calculated the maximum General Facilities Charges for each utility.• Worked with City stakeholders to provide education on the strength-based rates, presenting potential bill impacts for each existing customer class. The updated rate structure was adopted for FY 2021.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT TEAM 16John Ghilarducci TECHNICAL ADVISOR• 35 years of experience include over 250 utility rate studies throughout the Western Region.• Regional stormwater expert with 120+ stormwater rate studies.• Recent project experience in Helena, Missoula, Billings, and Bozeman.John Ghilarducci is FCS GROUP’s president and a shareholder. His practice focuses on all aspects of charges and rate studies, from technical modeling and public involvement to ordinance draft ing and implementation. John has developed stormwater, water, sewer, parks, and transportation rates and charges for hundreds of Northwest clients. John is a recognized technical rate and fi nance expert and provides litigation support/expert witness testimony throughout the Northwest. John’s innovative rate making approaches have resulted in “level of service” stormwater rates, area-specifi c connection charges, sewer strength sub-classes, inverted block water rate structures, defensible stormwater rate credit methodologies, and impact fees. John’s project experience includes a rate overview for the City of Bozeman’s current stormwater facilities plan update. He is also the lead of the current City of Billings level of service stormwater fi nancial assessment, and the City of Missoula’s adopted stormwater rate increase and rate structure change. He was also the principal-in-charge responsible for the recent City of Helena water and sewer rate and system development charge study.John has also completed rate studies for the cities of Pueblo, CO, Coeur d’Alene, ID, Boise, ID, Lewiston, ID, Meridian, ID, Nampa, ID, Bend, OR, Sparks, NV, Spokane, WA, and Walla Walla, WA, Additional project experience includes:CITY OF LEWISTON, IDWATER, WASTEWATER, AND SANITATION COST-OF-SERVICE RATE STUDY John was selected by the City to manage the development of a comprehensive cost of service and fi nancial planning study for the water, wastewater, and sanitation utilities. The city faced signifi cant capital needs, with new treatment plants required for each. Engagement highlights include:• Developed long-term (20-year) fi nancial plans for each independent utility.• Evaluated cash and debt funding alternatives for the City’s capital needs, providing capital funding options in support of $225.1M in water infrastructure investment and $185.6M in sewer infrastructure investment.• Provided long term rate strategy, forecasted coverage levels and single family bill impacts – all information necessary to inform a successful bond election for funding the water and wastewater treatment plants.• Evaluated the City’s customer classes for each utility and provided recommendations to balance rate equity and administrative complexity.• Analyzed the cost-of-service for each of the City’s customer classes.CITY OF WALLA WALLA, WAWATER, WASTEWATER, STORMWATER, AND SOLID WASTE UTILITY RATES John’s project management and professional guidance has spanned nearly 20 separate and distinct projects for the city since 2005 including a 2021 comprehensive water, wastewater, and stormwater rate and capital facilities charge study. Engagement highlights include:• Evaluated various policy issues of interest to the City including promoting the development of aff ordable housing through CFC incentives, the pros and cons of promoting water conservation through utility rates, and benchmarking of reserve levels.• Prepared a fi nancial plan for each utility to fund projected needs over a six-year planning period, including signifi cant capital investments driven by regulatory requirements. Capital funding plans and resulting rate strategies developed to allow for a combined $91.1 million in infrastructure investments.• Determined an equitable allocation of costs to customer classes along with a phasing plan to transition each class to its allocated cost of service over a six-year period. • Introduction of a high-strength industrial wastewater rate class to bett er target the recovery of costs driven by peak BOD loads to the industries generating those loads.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT TEAM 17Brooke Tacia PROJECT MANAGER, WATER AND WASTEWATER• Multi-utility project management experience throughout the West for large, growth-focused cities including Peoria, AZ, Spokane, WA, and Bend, OR.• Expert in evaluating and implementing robust fi scal policies to promote long term sustainability.• Routinely develops capital funding plans and craft s cost-based rates to balance revenue stability and aff ordability. Brooke Tacia is an FCS GROUP project manager with 17 years of fi nancial analysis and modeling experience for jurisdictions in Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Oregon, and Washington. She has performed numerous water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, and electric utility rate analyses, revenue requirement studies, cost-of-service assessments, and utility fi nance engagements throughout the Northwest. She has also performed in-depth analysis of rate structures, developed weather dependent demand forecasting tools, created purchased water cost predictors based on drought probabilities, craft ed alternatives to help mitigate overall charge increases, and analyzed fi nancial stability ratios to gauge utilities’ fi nancial health. Additionally, Brooke is the board secretary of the Women in Public Finance Association’s Pacifi c Northwest Chapter, which promotes diversity and advancement of women in the fi nance industry. Brooke’s water and wastewater utility rate project experience includes: Peoria, AZ, Coeur d’Alene, ID, Bend, OR, Auburn, WA, Pasco, WA, Spokane, WA, and Richland, WA. Additional project experience includes:CITY OF SANDPOINT, IDWATER AND SEWER COST OF SERVICE RATE STUDY AND NEW USER FACILITY FEESBrooke managed a recent study for the City to assess revenue suffi ciency and to evaluate the equity of revenue generation amongst existing customer classes. Engagement highlights include:• Developed detailed rate models, tailored to the City’s fund structure and fi scal policies, in order to perform a twenty-year revenue requirement analysis considering operating and maintenance expenditures, capital costs, existing and future debt requirements, and achievement of identifi ed fi scal policies.• Craft ed capital funding scenarios to support over $74 million in water infrastructure investment and approximately $117 million in sewer infrastructure investment.• Performed a cost allocation analysis to create a defensible basis for assigning cost shares and establishing equity.• Developed muti-year cost of service phase-in strategy to bring customer classes in alignment with allocated costs to serve over a 5-year phase in period.• Updated New User Facility Fees for both utilities to ensure buy in charges are up to date with infrastructure in use.• Provided long-term strategies that allowed the City to satisfy all fi nancial obligations while minimizing impacts to ratepayers and satisfying policy objectives discussed with internal City stakeholders.CITY OF LYNNWOOD, WAWATER, SEWER, AND STORMWATER RATE STUDIES Brooke has provided detailed technical analysis and project management for the City since 2016, performing 4 independent public fi nance and rate engagements primarily focused on water, sewer, and stormwater utility cost recovery. Engagement highlights include:• Evaluated impacts of diff erent funding and timing for $24.4 million in capital projects for the water and stormwater utilities while maintaining the City’s previously approved six-year rate path. • Incorporated level of service enhancements into the stormwater utility obligations, based on needs identifi ed from the most recent stormwater comprehensive planning eff ort. • Revised the sewer utility’s rate strategy in response to new statewide nutrient removal requirements, resulting in capital infrastructure investments of $290 million over the next ten years.• Updated the six-year cost-of-service rate transition plan for the sewer utility, to reach cost of service by class and minimize customer impacts.• Presented rate strategies to City Council for recent approval of six-year rate strategy, inclusive of increased sewer system requirements.• Prepared issue paper on conservation rate structures for multi-family/commercial customers.• Developed general facility charge for the sewer utility.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISPROJECT TEAM 18Tage Aaker SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, STORMWATER• Project manager for utility rate engagements in Helena, Billings, and Bozeman (stormwater post construction program rate overview). • Specializes in developing sophisticated yet practical Excel-based stormwater rate modeling tools.• Multi-utility cost-of-service experience throughout Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Tage Aaker is an FCS GROUP senior project manager with 13 years of consulting experience in utility rate studies, rate modeling, utility valuations, government fee development, cost recovery programs, and economic analysis for clients throughout the West. His experience includes working with stormwater, water and sewer utility clients to develop level of service scenarios that involved CIP analysis and alternative funding strategies. He has also performed in-depth analysis of rate structures, developed alternatives to help mitigate overall charge increases, and analyzed fi nancial stability ratios to gauge utilities’ fi nancial health. Tage is currently the project manager assisting the City of Bozeman with the rate portion of its current stormwater facilities plan update. His utility rate project experience includes Billings, MT, Helena, MT, Evans, CO, Blackfoot, ID, Kelso, WA, Lynnwood, WA, Spokane, WA, Wenatchee, WA, and Yakima, WA. Additional project experience includes:CITY OF BILLINGS, MTSTORMWATER UTILITY FORMATION AND RATE STUDY Tage worked in tandem with an engineering partner to manage and perform a level of service assessment and fi nancial analysis for the City’s of Billing’s stormwater program. Engagement highlights include: • Completed two phases including: 1) collected information about the City’s existing stormwater management program; 2) reviewed available data and identify data and program gaps; 3) developed an initial baseline program budget, and estimated the costs associated with additional needed services, 4) researched stormwater utilities for other communities in Montana and elsewhere in the West 5) made key fi scal and rate policy recommendations; and 6) presented to Council stormwater program and associated cost options. • Performed a more detailed fi nancial and rate analysis during Phase II, which included building out a level-of-service matrix to evaluate rate impacts of multiple program elements, such as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program compliance, operations, street sweeping, deferred maintenance, city-wide capital program, fl ood protection capital, and water quality capital. • Facilitated and participated in seven (7) advisory committ ee meetings to get program and rate structure feedback from members of the community. • Evaluated an alternative rate structure. The City’s existing rate structure is based on zoning and gross parcel area. CITY OF YAKIMA, WASTORMWATER, WASTEWATER, AND INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER RATE STUDY Tage was an integral part of the execution and communication involved in the City of Yakima’s recent utility rate studies. Engagement highlights include: • Updated strong waste surcharges, which apply to the City’s commercial and industrial customers that generate high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and fats, oils, and greases (FOG). • Updated a separate pre-treatment fee applicable to minor industrial users (MIUs). • Revised Industrial Wastewater (IW) charges will ensure that the City can recover the cost of the IW system without creating a disincentive for industrial users to voluntarily connect to the IW line.• Reviewed and updated wholesale revenue estimates for the City’s two neighboring communities. • Updated the City’s sanitary sewer connection charges to ensure that the City recovers an appropriate level of capital costs from development, as growth occurs. • Prepared a stormwater utility revenue requirement forecast, to ensure stormwater rates can provide needed funding for capital projects and improved O&M practices identifi ed by the City in the 2021 Stormwater Master Plan.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISCOST PROPOSAL 19Principal$295/HR.PM - Water/Sewer$220/HR.PM - Stormwater$230/HR.Analyst$155/HR.Technical Advisor$295/HR.Admin. Support$95/HR.Total Estimated Hours Total BudgetTECHNICAL TASKSTask 1 | Kick-off meeting (virtual)2222 8 $1,800 Task 2 | Data collection & validation4410 18 $3,350 Task 3 | Model architecture 4 30 15 80 129 $23,630 Task 4 | Revenue requirement Customer statistics evaluation 10 5 60 75 $12,650 Financial plan development and scenarios 10 35 20 75 10 150 $29,825 Task 5 | Cost and level of service analysisCost of service (water and wastewater) 8 30 60 98 $18,260 Level of service (stormwater) 4 10 25 5 44 $8,830 Task 6 | Rate design4810355 62 $12,140 TOTAL TECHNICAL TASKS BUDGET 32 119 66 347 20 0 584 $110,485 PROCESS TASKSTask 7 | Documentation248242242 $7,810 Task 8 | Meetings & public processInternal milestone review (six virtual mtgs) 12 12 8 12 8 52 $12,240 Presentation of fi ndings to Commission (two on-site mtgs)8 16 16 20 2 62 $13,250 TOTAL PROCESS TASKS BUDGET 22 32 32 56 12 2 156 $33,300 Expenses$1,500TOTAL LABOR BUDGET (Tasks 1-8) 54 151 98 403 32 2 740 $145,285 Task 9 | Model training (optional)Half-day virtual training 4 4 4 2 14 $2,610 Eight (8) hours on-call assistance 4 4 8 $ 1,800 User guide 2 4 4 20 2 32 $ 5,680 COST PROPOSAL
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISAPPENDIX A - NON DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL PAY AFFIRMATION 20APPENDIX A - NON DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL PAY AFFIRMATION
Attachment A
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL PAY AFFIRMATION
____________________________________(name of entity submitting) hereby affirms it will not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin,
or because of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or disability and
acknowledges and understands the eventual contract will contain a provision prohibiting
discrimination as described above and this prohibition on discrimination shall apply to the hiring
and treatments or proposer’s employees and to all subcontracts.
In addition, ____________________________________(name of entity submitting) hereby
affirms it will abide by the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Section 39-3-104, MCA (the Montana Equal
Pay Act), and affirm it will abide by the above and that it has visited the State of Montana Equal
Pay for Equal Work “best practices” website, or equivalent “best practices” publication and has
read the material.
______________________________________
Name and title of person authorized to sign on behalf of submitter
Financial Consulting Solutions Group, Inc.,dba FCS GROUP
FCS GROUP
Angie Sanchez Virnoche, Principal
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISAPPENDIX B - RESUMES 21APPENDIX B - RESUMES
1
Angie Sanchez
Virnoche
VICE PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE
EDUCATION
BS, Business Administration and
Finance, Oregon State University
WORK HISTORY
30 years (since 1993) professional
municipal rate and fee
consulting experience
Joined FCS GROUP in 2006
HIGHLIGHTED EXPERTISE
• Cost-of-Service Utility Rate Studies
• System Development Charges
(SDCs)/Connection Charges
• Comprehensive and Master
Plan Financial Chapters
• Utility Formations
• Community Education
and Involvement
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• American Water Works Association
- National, Rates and Charges
Subcommitt ee; Standards Committ ee
• Washington Finance
Offi cers Association
• Northwest Public Power Association
• Washington Association of
Public Utility Districts
• EPA Environmental Finance
Advisory Board
Angie Sanchez Virnoche is an FCS GROUP principal and shareholder with 30 years
of experience providing fi nancial and rate development services in a variety of
capacities for water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and electric utilities.
Her project work includes policy development, multi-year fi nancial plans and rate
strategies, cost-of-service equity studies, rate design restructuring and modernization,
capital funding prioritization, renewal and replacement funding evaluations, cost
benefi t analyses, reserve analysis, and community education and involvement.
In addition to her project management and technical profi ciency, Angie
routinely collaborates with bond advisors, att orneys, and engineering
partners. She also frequently presents results to diverse audiences such
as citizen rate advisory groups and boards, commissions and councils to
engage and educate participants in the benefi ts, costs, and decision-making
process to achieve consensus and move towards objective fulfi llment.
Angie has been actively involved in the rate sett ing industry through various Board
and Committ ee roles throughout her career including: Northwest Public Power
Association Board of Trustees (2013-2019) and, NWPPA Education and Workforce
Development Committ ee (current); lead Rate-Sett ing presenter for the Washington
State Department of Commerce Infrastructure Academies and one-day Rate Sett ing
Workshops; recognized technical rate and fi nancial expert within the Washington Public
Utility District Association off ering technical and policy presentations, Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Finance Advisory Board advising on issues
related to fi scal sustainability, conservation, aff ordability and other issues brought
forth to the Board from across the United States, covering all utilities; American Water
Works Association National Rates and Charges Subcommitt ee and is a contributing
author of the AWWA M1 manual on Principles of Water Rates, Fees and Charges.
“It has been a joy for Bonney Lake
to work with Angie throughout
the SDC and rate studies...she
demonstrates the leadership
perspective of a teacher. She
imparts wisdom, maturity, and
skill to others; she consistently
validates direction; and she
ensures completeness. ...she
demonstrated both diligence
and thoroughness...Angie gives
honor to those she communicates
with as she did again yesterday
when she presented her material
to several City staff . She
represents your company well.”
> John Woodcock, City Engineer
City of Bonney Lake
CONTACT
AngieS@fcsgroup.com
(425) 336-4157
ANGIE SANCHEZ VIRNOCHE RESUME 2
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
MONTANA
MISSOULA
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
IDAHO
BLACKFOOT
• Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Rate Study
BOISE
• Geothermal Rate Study
BONNERS FERRY
• Electric Cost of Service Study
• On-Call Financial Consulting Services
• Electric Cost of Service Rate Update
• IFG True Up Assistance
BURLEY
• Electric Rate Study
CENTRAL ORCHARDS SEWER DISTRICT
• Sewer Rate Study
COEUR D’ALENE
• Water System Plan Financial Plan and Rate Forecast
• Water Rate and Capitalization Fee Study
COEUR D'ALENE AIRPORT
• Sewer Rate Study
EASTERN IDAHO REGIONAL WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
• Financial Consulting Services
HAYDEN
• Sewer Operations and Maintenance Rate Study
• Sewer Capitalization Fee Update
• Fiscal Impact Analysis
• Sewer Capacity Fee Development
• Impact Fee Study
HAYDEN AREA REGIONAL SEWER BOARD
• Wastewater Financial Implementation Plan
• Financial Plan and Capacity Fee Update
HAYDEN LAKE IRRIGATION DISTRICT
• Rates and Connection Fee
• Financial Consulting Services
MCCALL
• Consolidated Sewer Rate Study
MERIDIAN
• Connection Charge Evaluation
MOSCOW
• Sanitation Rate Study
• Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Rate Study
PAYETTE LAKES RECREATIONAL
WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Capacity Fee Study
• Consolidated Sewer Rate Study
PLUMMER
• Electric Rate Study
POST FALLS
• Water and Water Reclamation Capacity Fee Update
• Wastewater Financial Plan and Capacity Fee Update
SANDPOINT
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study
SOUTH FORK SEWER DISTRICT
• Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
• Wholesale Rate Review
• On-Call Rate Model and NUFF Review
TWIN FALLS
• Pressure Irrigation Water Connection Fee Analysis
UNITED ELECTRIC CO-OP
• Electric Cost-of-Service Rate Study
• Electric Cost-of-Service Rate Update
WASHINGTON
AlDERWOOD WATER AND WASTEWATER DISTRICT
• Strategic Planning for Potential City Annexation
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study, GFC Study
and Financial Model Development
AUBURN
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Development Fee Study
BEACON HILL WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Cost-of-Service Analysis
• Water and Sewer Rate Update
• Sewer Rate and GFCs
BELLEVUE
• Water Rate Structures and Revenue Stability Study
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis
• Utility Rate Model Development
• Energize Eastside Feasibility Study
• Capital Recovery Charge Update
BELLINGHAM
• Sewer System Plan Financial Chapter
BENTON COUNTY PUD
• Electric Cost-of-Service Analysis
• Electric Load Data Review
• Cost-of-Service Consulting (On-call)
BETHEL
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
BLAINE
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study Update
• Wholesale Water Rate Support – Birch
Bay Water and Sewer District
• Electric Rate Study
• Wholesale Water Rate Update
BONNEY LAKE
• Water and Sewer Financial Plan and SDC Study
3ANGIE SANCHEZ VIRNOCHE RESUME
BREMERTON
• Utility Service Contract Negotiations with US Navy
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater GFC Update and Fee Review
• Benchmarking and Cost-of-Service Framework
• Engineering Group Workload Study
CAMAS
• Water, Sewer, Storm, Sanitation Utility Rate Study
• Financial Consulting Services (On-Call)
• Water and Sewer Revenue Requirement
• Water System Plan
CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES
• Water Rate Study and SDC Update
• Water Wholesale Rate Development
CENTRALIA
• City Light Valuation and Divestiture Feasibility Study
• Electric Model Review
• Electric Rate Study and Updates
• Electric Cost-of-Service Analysis Update
• Electric Revenue Requirement Rate Study
• Water and Wastewater Revenue Suffi ciency Analysis
CHELAN
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
and Connection Charge Update
CHENEY
• Electric Cost of Service Rate Study
• Water Cost of Service Study
CLALLAM COUNTY PUD
• Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study
• CETA Section 12 Low Income Study
CLARKSTON
• Wastewater System Financial Plan and Rate Forecast
CLE ELUM
• Upper Kitt itas County Regional WWF Rate Assistance
COAL CREEK UTILITY DISTRICT
• Water and Wastewater Revenue Requirement Update
COLLEGE PLACE
• Water Rate Study
• Wastewater Rate Study
COVINGTON WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate Studies (2009, 2012-2018)
• Water Cost Allocation and Other Rate Issues
• Water Long-Range Financial Plan
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis and Capital
Facilities Charge (CFC) Update
• Water Rate Study and Model Development
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
COWLITZ COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Electric Financial and Cost-of-Service
Rate Assistance (On-call)
• Electric and Water Rate Studies
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN SEWER DISTRICT
• Wastewater Funding Analysis and Cost Allocation Study
DAYTON
• Water and Sewer Utility Financial Plan
ELLENSBURG
• Electric Utility Rate Development
• Consulting Services
• Water, Sewer, Electric, and Gas Cost of Service Rate Study
FIRGROVE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY
• Wholesale Water Supply Analysis
• Water Financial Plan and Share Charge Analysis
• Water System Plan Update
FRANKLIN PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1
• Electric Cost-of-Service Analysis, Rate
Design Study and Update
• Electric Revenue Requirement Update
• Rate Analysis Services
FRIDAY HARBOR
• Water and Sewer Connection Charge Update
• Fire Cost Analysis
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
• Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates and
Right to Connection Charges
GRANT COUNTY PUD
• Electric Cost-of-Service Analysis
HIGHLINE WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate, GFC and CFC Studies
• GFC Update
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
JEFFERSON COUNTY PUD
• Electric, Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Electric Meter Replacement Business Case Analysis
KENNEWICK
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Strong Waste Surcharge Study
• On Call Rate Assistance
KING COUNTY
• Solid Waste Fee Structure Redesign
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #49
• Water Rate and GFC Study
KITSAP COUNTY
• Solid Waste Cost of Service Rate Study
ANGIE SANCHEZ VIRNOCHE RESUME 4
LAKEWOOD WATER DISTRICT
• Fire Cost Analysis
• Water Consulting Services (On-call)
• Water Parity Certifi cate
• Summit Water Company Wholesale Water Rates
• Financial Model
• Water System Replacement and Rehabilitation and Planning
• Replacement and Rehabilitation Citizen Advisory
Group Communication and Facilitation
• Financial Services (On-call)
• JBLM Privatization Analysis
• Wholesale Water Rate Model Update
• Retail Water Rate Assistance
LAKE STEVENS SEWER DISTRICT
• Sanitary Sewer Comprehensive Plan
LYNNWOOD
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Studies and Update
• Water System Comprehensive Plan Financial Chapter
• Policy Review of Sewer Connection Charges
• Financial Consulting Services (On-call)
MARYSVILLE
• Solid Waste Rate Study and Effi ciency Review
• Development Services Cost of Service and Fee Update
MASON COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study
MCCLEARY
• Electric, Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study
• Water Financial Plan and Connection Charge Study
MERCER ISLAND
• Water and Sewer Rate and Connection Charge
Studies and Updates, Rate Model
• QC Water Rate Model Update
MOAB IRRIGATION DISTRICT
• Water Rate and SDC Update
MOSES LAKE
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Wastewater Plan Financial Analysis
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
• Water Comprehensive Plan and Rate Study
NEWCASTLE
• Development Services Full Cost Fee Review
NEWPORT
• Sewer System Financial Plan and Rate Forecast
NORTH BEACH WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate Study
NORTH BEND
• Retail Water GFC Update and Wholesale
Rate and GFC Development
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Wastewater Facilities Plan and Rate Study
• Sewer System GFC Study
• Parity Certifi cation
• Water Rate Study and GFC Update
OLYMPIA
• Water Rate Study Update
• Wastewater Management Plan Financial Chapter
• Public Utility District Wholesale Water Rate Study Update
• Stormwater Rate Structure Review
• Water Plan Financial Analysis
OKANOGAN PUD
• Electric Cost-of-Service Study
PACIFIC
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate
and Connection Fee Study
PASCO
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Irrigation Water Rate Study
• Process Water Reuse Facility Utility Rate Study
• Process Water Reuse Facility Connection Charge Analysis
• Process Water Reuse Facility Capital Facilities Plan
• Fiscal Impact Analysis
• ICAP Update
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
PASADENA PARK IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 17
• Water Rate Study and CFC Study
PEND OREILLE COUNTY PUD
• Electric Cost-of-Service Analysis
PIERCE COUNTY
• Sewer Utility Equitable Cost Allocation and Rate Study
• Unifi ed Sewer Plan
PORT ANGELES
• Industrial Water Cost of Service Study
• Electric Rate Study
• Water, Wastewater, Electric and Solid Waste
Cost-of-Service Analyses and Rate Studies
• Utility Financing Report
• Fiscal Impact Analysis
• Rate Advisory Services
PORT OF QUINCY
• On-Call Financial Consulting Services
PORT TOWNSEND
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study and Update
• Water Supply/Treatment Analysis
• Water Utility Cash Flow Analysis
• Financial Consulting Services (On-call)
• Wholesale Water Rate Support
RECOLOGY
• Recycling Surcharge Methodology
5ANGIE SANCHEZ VIRNOCHE RESUME
RICHLAND
• Solid Waste Rate Study and Business Case Evaluation
• Water Comprehensive Plan and Rate Study
• Sewer Utility System Plan Financial Chapter and Rate Study
• Electric Cost-of-Service Review and Rate Design
• Electric Utility Financial Consulting
• Street Light Evaluation
RONALD WASTEWATER DISTRICT
• Financial Plan and Rate Forecast
ROSLYN
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
SAMMAMISH PLATEAU WATER
• Water and Wastewater Financial Consulting
Rate Study and GFC Study
• Water and Sewer Rate Update
• Capital Connection Charge Analysis
• Financial Consulting Services (On-call)
• Rate Comparison and Benchmarking Analysis
SAN JUAN COUNTY
• Stormwater Utility Formation Planning
SKAGIT COUNTY PUD
• Water Supply Agreement Review
• Water System Plan Financial Section
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Study
• Financial Consulting Services (On-call)
SKAMANIA COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Electric and Water Rate Study
SKYWAY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Study
• Water and Sewer Rate Update
SNOHOMISH
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
• Sewer Treatment Plant Rate Impact Analysis
• Water, Sewer, Storm Rate Study
• Water and Sewer Connection Charge Study
• Water and Sewer Treatment Plant and Water
Supply Study and Technical Assistance
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study Updates,
Financial Plan and Capital Funding Plan
• Sewer Rate Study Update
• Financial Services (On-Call)
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Water Rate and Connection Fee Study
• Electric Cost-of-Service Model Development
SNOQUALMIE PASS UTILITY DISTRICT
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter and Update
SOAP LAKE
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
SPOKANE
• Rate Structure Analysis
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater COSA and Rate Design
SPOKANE COUNTY
• Wastewater Management Plan Financial Chapter
• Wastewater Rate Consultation
• Wastewater Rate Study and Update
• Solid Waste Rate Study
STANWOOD
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Cost of Service Rate Study
• Water and Wastewater Master Plan Updates
and Drain Utility Rate Study
STEVENS PUD
• Comprehensive Utility Rate Study
SULTAN
• Water and Wastewater Comprehensive
Plan Financial Chapter
• Water and Wastewater Rate Studies
• Solid Waste Study
TACOMA
• Water Cost of Service Rates
• Economic Development Fee Analysis
• Solid Waste Rate Development
• Water Rate Advisory Services
TERRACE HEIGHTS SEWER DISTRICT
• Sewer Rate Study
THURSTON COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Rate Analysis Advisory Services
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
TOPPENISH
• Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste
Cost of Service and Rate Study
UNIVERSITY PLACE
• Solid Waste Refuse and Recycling Study
VERA WATER AND POWER
• Electric Cost-of-Service Rate Study
WALLA WALLA
• Solid Waste Landfi ll and Sanitation Cost of
Service and Financial Planning Study
• Landfi ll Rate Assessment
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
• Solid Waste Funding Mechanisms Review
WHATCOM COUNTY
• Birch Bay Stormwater Funding Analysis
WHATCOM COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Water and Electric Rate Study and Analysis
WOODINVILLE WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Rate Modeling Assistance
ANGIE SANCHEZ VIRNOCHE RESUME 6
YELM
• General Sewer Plan and Rate Study
• Nisqually Tribe Sewer Treatment Cost-of-Service Analysis
• Water and Sewer Financial Plan and
Rate Forecasts and Updates
• Sewer Surcharge Development
OREGON
ASTORIA
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities
Plan Financial Chapter
• Water and Sewer Rate Forecast
BEND
• Sewer Extra Strength Surcharge Analysis
• Sewer Financial Plan Model
• Water System Divestiture Study
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rates
• Sewer Utility Rate Model
• Stormwater Utility Rate Model
• Water Utility Rate Model
• Integrated Water Plan Financial Analysis
• Community Development Department Fee Study
CENTRAL OREGON IRRIGATION DISTRICT
• Economic Study
CLACKAMAS RIVER WATER
• Wholesale Rate Review
• Oregon City Water Boundary Adjustment Analysis
• Water Rate Analysis
• Wholesale Review of South Fork Water Board Rate
• SDC Update
• Financial Feasibility Review
• Rate Forecast Update
COLUMBIA COUNTY
• Solid Waste Transfer Station Fee Study
DESCHUTES BASIN BOARD OF CONTROL
• HCP Cost and Funding Analysis
FOREST GROVE
• Electric Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Design
• Electric Rate Update
LAKE OSWEGO
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Study
• Water Financial Consulting Services (On-call)
• Sewer Utility Financial Plan and Rate Review
• Financial Advisory Services
• Wholesale Water Rate Study
• Sewer Revenue Requirement Study
LAKE OSWEGO-TIGARD
• Partnership Cost Study
METRO (METRO PORTLAND)
• Solid Waste Disposal Charge Review
• Solid Waste Rate Study
• Solid Waste Reserve Analysis
NORTH UNIT IRRIGATION DISTRICT
• Economic Study
OREGON CITY
• Wholesale Water Rate Development
SUNRISE WATER AUTHORITY
• Water Cost-of-Service Study
TIGARD
• Infrastructure Financing Services
WASCO ELECTRIC CO-OP
• Electric Cost of Service Study
• Electric Rate Study Update
ARIZONA
BENSON
• Water and Sewer Rate Study*
LAKE HAVASU CITY
• Sewer Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Financial Evaluation
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis Update
PEORIA
• Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Rate Study
SURPRISE
• Water, Wastewater and Sanitation Utility Rate Study
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Wastewater Utility Rate Study
CALIFORNIA
LAKE ARROWHEAD COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
• Water and Wastewater Master Plan Financial Chapter
• Lett er of Determination
SACRAMENTO
• Solid Waste Rate Model Development
• Solid Waste Rate Support
ALASKA
GALENA, AK
• Electric, Water, Sewer, Solid Waste
and Heat Utility Rate Update
• Solar PV/Batt ery Financial Analysis
NORTH DAKOTA
MCKENZIE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
• Cost of Service Analysis and Rate Study
CANADA
DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER
• Utility Rate Studies
SASKATOON, S.K.
• Wastewater Cost-of-Service Analysis
• Water Cost-of-Service Model
TORONTO
• Solid Waste Rate Analysis
* Performed prior to 2006
7ANGIE SANCHEZ VIRNOCHE RESUME
RECENT PRESENTATIONS
• Discovering the Power of Your Utility Rate
Study, Association of Idaho Cities, June 2023
• Cost of Service, AWWA PNWS Inland
Empire Subsection, February 2023
• Eff ective Communication Strategies for Public
Utility Rate-Making, Northwest Public Power
Accounting and Finance Conference, June 2022
• Utility Funding Theory, American Public Works
Association Spring Conference, April 2022
• Covid-19: Utility Responses and Impacts, Washington
Public Utility District Association Commissioners
Education Workshop, September 2020
• Financial Studies – Leveraging the Highest Value
from Available Data, Northwest Public Power
Accounting and Finance Conference, January 2020
• Electric Cost of Service and Rate Design,
Northwest Public Power Association
CFO Webinar Series, July 2019
• Winning the Rate Race: How Much Should
I Charge and How Do I Figure It Out?
(Panel), Water for Texas, January 2019
• GFCs: Development Trends and Impacts on Utility
Funding Practices, Washington Association of
Water and Sewer Districts, September 2018
• Discovering the Power of Your Rate Study,
Northwest Public Power Association Accounting
and Finance Conference, June 2018
• Rate-Sett ing for Infrastructure Funding,
Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council
Regional Training Event, Moses Lake, April 2018
• Utility Rate Sett ing Fundamentals: A
Spotlight on Smaller Jurisdictions, Association
of Washington Cities, June 2018
• Asset Management Workshop: Engaging and
Educating Elected Offi cials and Upper Management.
Municipal Research and Service Center and Asset
Management Committ ee (APWA WA), August 2017
• Tools for Funding Future Infrastructure Projects—
Rate Sett ing, Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating
Council Regional Training Event, Yakima, May 2017
• Best Practices in Utility Rate Sett ing,
Oregon Government Finance Offi cers
Association, October 2016
• Tools for Funding Future Infrastructure Projects—
Rate Sett ing, Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating
Council Regional Training Event, Ritzville May 2016
1
John Ghilarducci
PRESIDENT AND
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE
EDUCATION
MPA, Organization and Management,
University of Washington
BS, Economics, University of Oregon
WORK HISTORY
35 years (since 1988)
professional experience
Joined FCS GROUP in 1991
HIGHLIGHTED EXPERTISE
• System Development
Charges (SDCs)
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater, &
Transportation Utility Rates
• Stormwater and Transportation
Utility Formations
• Transportation Funding
• Comprehensive Plans
Financial Elements
• Litigation Support/Expert Witness
• Financial/Feasibility Studies
• Special Cost of Service
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• American Water Works Association
• American Public Works Association
• Oregon Government Finance
Offi cers Association
• League of Oregon Cities
John Ghilarducci is an FCS GROUP President, principal and shareholder with over 35
years of professional experience including 31 years with the fi rm. His practice focuses
on all aspects of utility and general services system development charges (SDCs) and
fi nancial rate studies, from technical modeling and public involvement to ordinance
draft ing and implementation. He has formed stormwater and transportation utilities
and has developed water, sewer, stormwater, transportation and parks rates and
charges for dozens of clients. John is a recognized technical rate and fi nance expert
and provides litigation support/expert witness testimony throughout the Northwest.
John’s innovative rate making approaches have resulted in “level of service”
stormwater rates, area-specifi c SDCs, sewer strength sub-classes, inverted
block water rate structures, defensible stormwater rate credit methodologies,
person-trip based transportation impact fees suitable for multi-modal
transportation capital plans, and nonresidential park impact fees. He
off ers a broad knowledge of public policy and fi nance, and a thorough
understanding of the institutional issues and options underlying the formation
of utilities and the design of supporting rate and charge structures.
"John, I want to thank you for
your excellent service to the
City of Oak Harbor! The City,
community, and elected leaders
needed to analyze our fi nancial
situation and catch up from
1996. It has been 26 years of
major capital projects, new
federal and state regulations,
changes, and infl ation that you
needed to capture and illuminate.
Your very professional, helpful,
and solid presentations and
Council packet materials made
all the diff erence.Thank you
for working so closely with our
Finance and Public Works team.
You are a wonderful partner."
>Steve Schuller, PE,
Public Works Director
City of Oak Harbor
CONTACT
JohnG@fcsgroup.com
(425) 336-1865
JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME 2
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
MONTANA
BILLINGS
• Stormwater Rate Study
BOZEMAN
• Stormwater Post Construction Program Rate Overview
HELENA
• Water and Sewer Rates and System Development Fees
MISSOULA
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
IDAHO
BOISE
• Wastewater Cost of Service Analysis and Rate Study
COEUR D'ALENE
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Stormwater Rate Study
LEWISTON
• Stormwater Utility Consulting
• Water, Wastewater and Sanitation
Rate and Capacity Fee Study
• Water CIP Analysis & Update
• Water and Wastewater Equity Buy-In Fee Study
• Utility Rates and Charges Litigation Support
MERIDIAN
• Connection Charge Evaluation
• Water and Sewer COSA Rate Study
NAMPA
• Water Rate Study
• Wastewater Hookup Fee Update
• Wastewater Special Industrial Rate Estimate
• Stormwater Utility Formation, Technical
Support and Rate Study
• Wastewater Funding Options Study
• Wastewater Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Study
• Capacity Optimization Fee Economic Analysis
• TASCO Scenario Development
• Water and Wastewater Impact Fee Analysis
• Water Rate Update
• Wastewater Rate Model Dashboard
POST FALLS
• Financial Plan and Capacity Fee Update
WASHINGTON
ANACORTES
• Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
AUBURN
• Utility Financial Programs and Financial
Chapter Development
• Water Supply Optimization Analysis
• Parks Impact Fee Study
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
• Stormwater and Surface Water Rate Study Update
• Special Stormwater Rate Policy Analysis
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Ferncliff Water Main Extension Funding Alternatives
BATTLE GROUND
• Stormwater Utility Financial and Rate Update
• Sewer Rate Study Update
BELLINGHAM
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Marginal Water Cost Analysis
• Storm and Surface Water Rate, SDC and Permit Fee Study
• Sewer Financial Plan
BLACK DIAMOND
• Fire Service Study
• Fiscal Analysis
BLAINE
• Stormwater Rate Study Update
• Wholesale Water Rate Support
BONNEY LAKE
• Water Rate and SDC Financial Analysis
BOTHELL
• COVID-19 Utility Evaluation
• Stormwater Rate Study Update
• Water, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Rate
and Stormwater SDC Study and Update
• Wastewater Rate Analysis
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater SDC Study
BREMERTON
• Utility Service Contract Negotiations with the US Navy
• Stormwater SDC Update
BREWSTER
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
BRIER
• Excise Tax Review
BURLINGTON
• Stormwater Utility Formation and Consulting
CAMAS
• Park Impact Fee Study
• Financial Services (On-call)
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Solid Waste Rate Study
CARNATION
• Stormwater Financial Analysis
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Stormwater Formation and Rate Study
CENTRALIA
• Stormwater Utility Formation and Rate Studies
3JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME
CENTRAL KLICKITAT CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Study
CHEHALIS
• Water and Wastewater Rate and SDC Study
• Wastewater Customer Charge Analysis and
Special Evaluation of Treatment Off er
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Study
• Wholesale Wastewater Rate Study
CHELAN COUNTY PUD
• Water, Sewer and Electric SDC Study
CLARK CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
CLARK COUNTY
• Transportation Impact Fee Study
CLINTON
• Sewer Financial Review
CLYDE HILL
• Stormwater Utility Formation
COLLEGE PLACE
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Transportation and Parks SDC Study
COWLITZ COUNTY
• Stormwater Funding Analysis
DES MOINES
• Stormwater Revenue Requirement Study
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan, Effi ciency
and Rate Study and Update
DOUGLAS COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT #1
• Sewer Rate Study
DUVALL
• Parks Impact Fee Study
• Sewer Rate and SDC Update and Advice
• Water Rate Analysis and Comprehensive
Plan Financial Chapter
EAST WENATCHEE
• Stormwater Plan Financial Services
EAST WENATCHEE WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate Study
EDGEWOOD
• Stormwater Financial Plan
• Sewer Feasibility Study and Financial Chapter
• Utility Tax Review and Benchmarking
EDMONDS
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
• Stormwater Rate Study Update
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Revenue Requirement Update
• Lake Ballinger Regional Facility Feasibility Study
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate and SDC Update
ENUMCLAW
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Stormwater Utility Formation and Financial Analysis
• Water and Wastewater Rate and Charge Study
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
EVERETT
• Water and Sewer Connection Charge
Update and Model Review
FEDERAL WAY
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan Update
• Park Impact Fee Study
FERNDALE
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
FIFE
• Water and Sewer Rate Update
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Sewer Rate Study
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
• Wastewater Revenue Requirement and Parity Certifi cate
• Water Initial Revenue Requirements Study
• Water Rate and SDC Study Update
FIRGROVE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY
• Water Utility Financial Plan and Share Charge Analysis
GRANT COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Study
GRANT COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
• Rate Assessment Study
• Fee Assessment Structure Update
ISSAQUAH
• Water Rate and SDC Study
• Transportation and Parks Impact Fee Development
• Police and General Government Mitigation
Fee and Fire Impact Fee Update
JEFFERSON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
JEFFERSON COUNTY PUD #1
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
KELSO
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Study
KENT
• Stormwater and Water Rate Policy Review and Update
• Park Impact Fee Study
KING CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Billing Database Update
• Rate Structure Development and Update
KING COUNTY WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIVISION
• Capacity Charge Rate System Evaluation
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #20
• Water District #20 and Water District #85 Merger
JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME 4
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #49
• Water Rate Study Technical Assistance
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #125
• Water Rate/SDC Study
KING COUNTY
• Regional Watershed Initiative Project
• Stormwater Management Rate Evaluation
KIRKLAND
• Sewer Cost of Service Update
• Water Cost of Service Update
• Stormwater Rate, SDC Study and Update
• Stormwater Policy and Revenue Requirement Review
• Impact Fee Study
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
KITSAP COUNTY
• Surface and Stormwater Management Performance Audit
KLICKITAT PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer SDC Rate Study and Update
• Water Rate Support Services
LA CENTER
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Area Specifi c Sewer SDC Study
LACEY
• Water Rate and Charge Study
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
• Water System Plan
• Reclaimed Water Plan
• ICAP Update
LAKE STEVENS
• Stormwater Rate Study
LAKEWOOD
• Stormwater Rate Study
LAKEWOOD WATER DISTRICT
• Financial Management Services
LEWIS COUNTY
• Regional Flood District Formation
• Water and Wastewater Regional Utility Formation
LEWIS COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT #1
• Connection Charge Review
• Sewer Rate Study and Revenue Requirements Update
LONGVIEW
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
• Beacon Hill WSD Wheeling Rate Analysis
• Kelso Wheeling Rate Analysis
• Stormwater Rate Study
LYNNWOOD
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan Update
MAPLE VALLEY
• Park Impact Fee Study
• Stormwater Rate Study
MERCER ISLAND
• Water Rate and Connection Charge Study
MILL CREEK
• Stormwater Rate Study
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
• Stormwater Rate Study
MOUNT VERNON
• Surface Water Rate Study
MUKILTEO
• Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Surface Water Comprehensive Plan Financial Chapter
NEWCASTLE
• Infrastructure Maintenance Plan
• Stormwater Funding Analysis
• Stormwater Rate Study
NORTH BEND
• Wastewater Facility Plan and Rate Study
• Parks Impact Fee Study and Update
• Retail Water SDC Update and Wholesale
Rate and SDC Development
• Stormwater Bond Parity Certifi cate and Utility Formation
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study and Update
NORTH CITY WATER DISTRICT
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis, SDC, Capital
Investment Study and Update
• Management Advisory Services
• Special SDC Analysis
OAK HARBOR
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Solid Waste Rate Study
OCEAN SHORES
• Water System Financial Plan
• Ambulance Utility Cost of Service Analysis Update
OLYMPIA
• Evaluation of SDC Development Incentives
• Parks Impact Fee Study and Update
• Stormwater and Surface Water Rate Study
• Indirect Cost Allocation Plan
• Park Impact Fee Methodology Review
• Stormwater Rate Structure Review
• Park Impact Fee
PASCO
• Transportation Impact Fee
PIERCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study and Update
• Billing Database Update and Maintenance
5JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME
PIERCE COUNTY
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Park Impact Fee Work Group
PORT ANGELES
• Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Rate Studies
PORT ORCHARD
• Stormwater Funding Analysis
• Stormwater Rate Study
PORT TOWNSEND
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
POULSBO
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Sewer Plan Financial Analysis
PUGET SOUND REGIONAL COUNCIL
• Regional Transportation Stormwater Retrofi t Program
PUYALLUP
• Sanitary Sewer System Master Plan Financial Chapter
• Parks Impact Fee Study
REDMOND
• Business Case Analysis
• Stormwater Rate Study, Review and Update
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
• Water and Wastewater Cost-of-Service Analysis
RENTON
• Water, Wastewater and Surface Water
Comprehensive Rate Study and SDC Studies
RICHLAND
• Transportation Plan
• Water Plan Financial Analysis and Rate Study
RIDGEFIELD
• Water and Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Transportation Benefi t District Formation
SAMMAMISH
• Parks and Recreation Impact Fee Study Update
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Transportation and Park Impact Fee Study
• Stormwater Rate Study
SAMMAMISH PLATEAU WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Financial Consulting
SAN JUAN COUNTY
• Stormwater Utility Formation Planning
SEATAC
• Stormwater Funding Analysis
• Stormwater Rate Study
SEATTLE NORTHWEST SECURITIES
• Bel-Red Corridor Financial Strategy
SEATTLE PUBLIC UTILITIES
• Conceptual Development
• Outreach Program
• Utility Connection Charge Study
• SDC Consulting Support
PORT OF SEATTLE
• Stormwater Utility Support and Rate Update
SHORELINE
• Boeing Creek Funding Evaluation
• Stormwater Master Plan
• Wastewater Rate and SDC Studies
SKAGIT COUNTY
• Drainage Utility Study
• Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) Formation
• Funding Options Analysis
• Surface Water Consulting (On-call)
SKAMANIA COUNTY
• Economic Development Council Grant Applications
SNOHOMISH
• Water and Sewer Connection Fee and
Capital Facility Charge Update
SNOHOMISH CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Regional Detention Funding Analysis
SNOQUALMIE
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Revenue Update
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan Financial Chapter
SEQUIM
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
SHELTON
• ICAP Update
• Stormwater Revenue Requirement forecast
• Sewer Financial Plan
SPOKANE
• Stormwater Rate Study
SPOKANE VALLEY
• Stormwater Plan and Rate Study
STANWOOD
• Water and Wastewater Master Plan Updates
and Drain Utility Rate Study
SULTAN
• Solid Waste Rate Study
• Wastewater Rate Study
JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME 6
SUMNER
• Golf Course Sale Impacts Analysis
• Stormwater Capital Facilities Charge (SDC) Study
• Stormwater SDC Options Analysis
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study,
Evaluation and SDC Update
• Staffi ng Survey
TACOMA
• Water Cost of Service Rates
• Economic Development Fee Analysis
• Ecology Stormwater Rate Structure Alternatives
THURSTON CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
TUKWILA
• Parks Impact Fee Review
• Stormwater Funding Analysis
TUMWATER
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
• ERR Fee Model Review and Update
UNION HILL WATER ASSOCIATION
• Water System Plan Financial Analysis Element
• Revenue Requirement Update and
Rate Structure Evaluation
UNIVERSITY PLACE
• Transportation Impact Fee Study
VANCOUVER
• Traffi c Impact Fee Update
• Water, Sewer, Storm Drainage and
Stormwater Rate Studies and Updates
WALLA WALLA
• Stormwater Rate Equity Study
• General Sewer Plan Financial Program
• Sanitation Level of Service Study
• Transportation Impact Fee Study
• Water and Wastewater Rate and Capital
Facility Charge (SDC) Studies
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Low-Income Utility Rate Discount Policy Evaluation
• Ambulance Utility Cost of Service and Rate Update
• Wholesale Water Rate Analysis
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater COSA and SDC Study
• Ambulance Utility Rate Review
WALLA WALLA CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development
WASHINGTON STATE JOINT
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
• Joint Transportation SDC Update
• Stormwater Cost Recovery for Cities
WASHOUGAL
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Study
• Water and Wastewater Rate and Charge Study
WENATCHEE
• ERU Analysis
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate and Financial Study
WHATCOM COUNTY
• Birch Bay Stormwater Funding Analysis
• Whatcom County/Birch Bay Stormwater Master Plan
WOODINVILLE
• Surface Water Rate Study
WOODINVILLE WATER DISTRICT
• Asset Management Services
WOODLAND
• Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Rate Study
YARROW POINT
• Stormwater Utility Formation Workshops
• Stormwater Rate Design/Committ ee Facilitation
YELM
• City Finance Technical Advisor Services
• Nisqually Tribe Sewer Treatment Cost-of-Service Analysis
OREGON
SALEM
• Park SDC Study
ASHLAND
• Transportation SDC Study
• Stormwater Master Plan Update
ASTORIA
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Facilities Plan Financial Chapter
AUMSVILLE
• Utility Rate Design Advisory Services
BAKER CITY
• Special SDC Workshop
BEAVERTON
• South Cooper Mountain Transportation SDC Analysis
BEND
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rates
• Special Transportation Funding Support
• Water and Sewer SDC Study
• Sewer Financial Plan Model
• Extra Strength Surcharge Analysis
• Transportation SDCs
• Integrated Water Plan Financial Analysis
• Water Utility Rate Model
BENTON COUNTY
• Parks Funding Plan
7JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME
CANBY
• Parks SDC Study
• Transportation SDC Study
• Special SDC Consulting
CANNON BEACH
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater SDCs
CENTRAL POINT
• Public Works and Planning Fee Study
• Special Wholesale Water SDC Methodology Review
• Stormwater Rate Study Update
• Transportation SDC Survey and Utility Formation Study
• Water Rate Study and Revenue Requirement Update
• Water, Stormwater, Transportation and Parks SDC
Study and Stormwater Utility Formation
CHEHALEM PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT
• Parks SDC Study
CLACKAMAS COUNTY
• Economic Landscape Study
• Fuller Road Transit Oriented Development Study
• Happy Valley Joint Transportation SDC Update
• Transportation Utility Formation Study,
Update and Public Outreach
CLACKAMAS RIVER WATER
• Water Rate Analysis
CLARK COUNTY
• Whipple Creek Funding Analysis
CLATSKANIE
• Goal 9 Economic Opportunities Analysis Update
COBURG
• Sewer, Stormwater, Transportation and Parks SDC Study
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
COLUMBIA COUNTY
• Transportation and Parks SDC Feasibility Study
COOS BAY
• Sewer, Stormwater, Flood, Transportation
and Parks SDC Evaluation
COOS BAY-NORTH BEND WATER BOARD
• Water SDC Methodology and Report
CORNELIUS
• Parks SDC Update
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate
and SDC Study and Update
CORVALLIS
• Downtown Core SDC Evaluation
• Intermediate SDC Review
• Stormwater SDC Study
• Park SDC Study
• Transportation SDC Update
COTTAGE GROVE
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Study Update
• Utility Rate and SDC Study
CRESWELL
• Water Rate Study Update
CRYSTAL SPRINGS WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate Study and SDC Update
DEPOE BAY
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
DESCHUTES COUNTY
• Transportation SDC Study
EAGLE POINT
• Water, Transportation, Parks and Stormwater
Rate and SDC Study and Update
FALLS CITY
• Transportation System Plan Funding Strategy
and Transportation SDC Update
FOREST GROVE
• Water Rate and SDC Study and Update
GLADSTONE
• Stormwater SDC Study
• Park SDC Study
• Water Rate Study and Stormwater Utility Formation
• Transportation SDC Study
• Sewer Master Plan
• Water SDC Update
GLENEDEN SANITARY DISTRICT
• Sewer SDC Study
GOVERNMENT CAMP SANITARY DISTRICT
• Issues Review
GRANITE FALLS
• Water and Sewer COSA Rate and SDC Study
GRANTS PASS
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
GRESHAM
• DES Financial Analysis
• Stormwater Bond Feasibility Study
HAPPY VALLEY
• Sewer and Stormwater Feasibility Evaluation
• Economic Opportunities Analysis
• Clackamas County Joint Transportation SDC Update
• Transportation Utility Formation
• Transportation Utility Fee Implementation Study
• On-Call Consulting Services
• Community Center Feasibility Study
• Transportation and Parks SDC Update
HERMISTON
• Water, Wastewater, Parks and Transportation SDC Study
JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME 8
HILLSBORO
• Large Water User SDC Payment Alternatives
• Water Rate and SDC Study
• Stormwater Master Plan
HOOD RIVER
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
HUBBARD
• Transportation System Plan Funding Strategy
and Transportation SDC Update
JACKSON COUNTY
• Transportation and Parks SDC Study
JACKSONVILLE
• Transportation and Parks SDC Studies
JUNCTION CITY
• Park SDC Advice
KEIZER
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Water Rate Study and Update Assistance
KLAMATH COUNTY
• Transportation, Storm Drainage and Parks SDC Study
KLAMATH FALLS
• Transportation SDC Study
• Stormwater Financial Plan
LAFAYETTE
• Parks SDC Capital Facilities Plan Update
LAKE OSWEGO
• Planning Work (On-call)
• Population Baseline Forecast
• Sewer Utility Financial Plan and Rate Review
• Water Cost-of-Service Analysis, SDC
Study, Rate Study and Update
• Parks and Recreation District SDC Analysis
LANE COUNTY
• Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study
• Transportation and Parks SDC Study
• Stormwater Utility Formation
LA PINE
• Large Customer Connection Analysis
• Water and Wastewater Rate and SDC Study
MADRAS
• Wastewater Rate and SDC Study
• Water Rate and SDC Study
• Transportation Utility Formation
• Transportation SDC Study
MAMMOTH COMMUNITY WATER DISTRICT
• Connection Fee Ongoing Support Services
MCMINNVILLE WATER AND LIGHT
• Water SDC Study
MEDFORD
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Transportation, Parks
and Public Safety Rate Benchmarking Study
• Sewer, Stormwater and Street Rate Study
• Leisure Services Plan and SDCs
• Street SDC Credit Policy Special Evaluation
• Sewer, Stormwater and Transportation Rate Design Study
• Storm Drain Master Plan
• Wastewater Treatment Rate Study
• Street, Sewer, Stormwater and Parks Rate and SDC Study
METRO PLANNING
• Infrastructure Analysis Work Session
• Regional Infrastructure Planning Study and Update
METROPOLITAN LAND GROUP
• North Bethany Transportation Funding Strategy
MILWAUKIE
• Transportation Maintenance Fee Public Process
• Wastewater Rate and Water, Wastewater and
Stormwater SDC Studies and Update
• Stormwater SDC and Rate Study
• Wastewater System Master Plan
• Park SDC Study
MONMOUTH
• Parks SDC Study
• Transportation SDC Update
• Western Oregon University SDC
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Stormwater Utility Formation
MOSIER
• Parks SDC Study
• Water Rate Study Update and SDC Study
MT. ANGEL
• Sewer Rate and SDC Study
• Stormwater SDC Study
NEWBERG
• Transportation SDC Study
• Street Utility Formation
NEWPORT
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Citywide Cost Allocation Plan and User Fee Study
NORTH CLACKAMAS PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT
• Parks SDC Methodology Update
OREGON CITY
• Transportation SDC Study
• Police Utility Fee Analysis
• Pavement Maintenance Utility Fee Update
• SDC Forum
• Parks Utility Fee Framework
• Transportation Utility Formation Study, Maintenance
9JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME
Fee Public Process and SDC Study
• Sewer Rate and SDC Study
• Water Rate Study and SDC Update
• SDC Code Review
• Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Rate and SDC Benchmarking Study
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
• SDC Study
PHOENIX
• Water, Parks, Stormwater System and
Transportation SDC Studies
PORT OF ST. HELENS
• Strategic Plan
PORTLAND
• Parks SDC Comparison Chart and Index Update
• Portland Area Regional Employment Study
PREMIER WEST BANK
• Shady Cove Waterworks Valuation
• Rate Model Training
PRINEVILLE
• SDC Work Session #1
• Joint Recreation and Parks Master Plan
RAINIER
• Wastewater Rate Study Update
RALEIGH WATER DISTRICT
• Water SDC and Revenue Requirements Study
REDMOND
• Stormwater Utility Formation and Implementation Support
• Transportation System Plan Financial Section
• Water and Sewer Rate Studies and Update
• Parks SDC Study
REEDSPORT
• Downtown and Riverfront Plan
ROSEBURG
• Transportation SDC Comparison and Update
SANDY
• Transportation and Parks SDC Update
• Wastewater Rate and SDC Study
SHERWOOD
• Park SDC Methodology Update
SILVERTON
• Transportation SDC Update
• Scaled SDC Analysis
SISTERS
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
SCAPPOOSE
• Wastewater Rate Study
• Stormwater Plan Financial Analysis
SEASIDE
• Water Rate, Wastewater and Parks SDC Studies
SHADY COVE
• Wastewater, Stormwater, Transportation,
Parks SDC Studies and Review
SHERWOOD
• Transportation SDC and Street Fee Study
• Transportation Plan Funding SDC Study and Update
• Stormwater and Wastewater Rate and SDC Studies
• Water Rate and SDC Study and Financial Chapter
• Parks SDC Methodology Update
SILVERTON
• Water, Wastewater and Transportation
SDC Study and Update
ST HELENS
• Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer, Transportation
and Parks SDC Studies and Updates
STAYTON
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Transportation Rate Study
SUNRISE WATER AUTHORITY
• Water SDC Update
TALENT
• Stormwater, Transportation and Parks SDC Study
THE DALLES
• Wastewater Rate and SDC Study
• Wastewater Financial Plan
TIGARD
• River Terrace Community Plan
• Parks and Transportation SDC Studies and Advice
• Infrastructure Financing Services
• Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Water Cost of Service Analysis
• Water SDC Study
TILLAMOOK
• Stormwater SDC Study
• Water SDC Study
TROUTDALE
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Local Gas Tax Revenue Analysis
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater Rate and SDC Updates
TUALATIN HILLS PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT
• Parks SDC Update
• Aging Facilities Assessment Tool
• Park SDC Consulting and Index Adjustment
TUALATIN
• Water Rate and SDC Study with Water
Master Plan and Financial Element
• Southwest Tualatin Master Plan Implementation
JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME 10
UMATILLA
• Water, Wastewater and Parks Rate Study
VENETA
• Transportation SDC Study
• Wastewater Rates and SDC Study
• Water Rate and SDC Study and Update
• Parks SDC Study
VERNONIA
• Wastewater Rate Study
WARRENTON
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Fort Stevens State Park Wastewater Cost Analysis
• Street, Water, Wastewater, Parks, Storm Drainage
SDC Methodology Review and Public Process
• Parks and Stormwater SDC Assistance
WASHINGTON COUNTY
• Transportation Impact Fee Study
WEST LINN
• Water, Stormwater and Transportation SDC Updates
• Transportation SDC Study
• Sewer, Storm and Parks SDC Update
• Missing Middle Housing SDC
WILLAMALANE PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT
• Parks SDC Annual Adjustment Index
• SDC Index Update
WILSONVILLE
• Street SDC Update
• Goal 9 Study
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
• Parks SDC Study
WOODBURN
• Transportation Impact Fee Study
• Water Rate and SDC Study
WOOD VILLAGE
• Transportation Utility Formation
YACHATS
Water, Wastewater and Storm Drainage SDC Studies
CALIFORNIA
LOS GATOS
• Transportation Impact Fee Update
MAMMOTH COMMUNITY WATER DISTRICT
• Connection Fee Ongoing Support Services
• Study to Determine Revised Water and
Wastewater Connection Fees
SACRAMENTO
• Cost-of-Service Analysis and Utility Rate Study
• Stormwater Rate Model Development
• Storm Drainage Rate Structure Review
SAN JOSE
• Connection Fee Study
ARIZONA
SURPRISE
• Stormwater Utility Formation
ALASKA
KETCHIKAN
• Preliminary Stormwater Financial Services
KETCHIKAN PUBLIC UTILITIES
• Water and Wastewater and Storm Drain Cost
Allocation and Rate Design Study
NEVADA
SPARKS
• Financial Rate Study for Sanitary, Storm
and Effl uent Sewer System
WASHOE COUNTY
• Stormwater Utility Formation
• Truckee River Flood Area Funding Study
COLORADO
PUEBLO
• Stormwater Rate Study
CANADA
CALGARY, AB
• Water, Wastewater and Storm Drainage
Cost-of-Service Analysis
SASKATOON, SK
• Data Needs Review
• Wastewater Cost-of-Service Analysis
Federal Government
UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (CA)
• Tahoe Basin Sewer Cost-of-Service Report Peer Review
11JOHN GHILARDUCCI RESUME
RECENT PRESENTATIONS
• Solutions to Stormwater Rate Challenges,
Montana Stormwater Conference, May 2022
• System Development Charges 101, League of
Oregon Cities Spring Conference, April 2022
• Rate Design Strategies, Oregon Municipal
Finance Offi cers Association, March 2021
• System Development Charges: Understanding
the Legal & Technical Requirements, League of
Oregon Cities SDC Workgroup, October 2020
• Park Impact Fee Basics, Washington
Recreation and Parks Association Funding
Options for Parks Forum, February 2020
• System Development Charges Overview,
League of Oregon Cities, June 2019
• General Facilities Charges, Infrastructure
Assistance Coordinating Council, October 2018
• System Development Charges: Understanding
the Legal and Technical Requirements, Oregon
City Att orneys Association, September 2018
• Solutions to Stormwater Rate Challenges,
American Public Works Association
Spring Conference, April 2017
• Solutions to Stormwater Rate
Challenges, Washington Finance Offi cers
Association, September 2016
• System Development Charges, League of
Oregon Cities Training Seminars, 2012-2016
• Cap Fee Basics and Legal Update,
Association of Idaho Cities, June 2016
• Rate and Charge Sett ing: A Conservation
District ‘How to’, Washington Association of
Conservation Districts, November 2015
• Managing Financial Risk and Declining Water
Sales, Pacifi c Northwest Section – American
Water Works Association, May 2015
• Trip-Based Stormwater Rates, American Public
Works Association Oregon Chapter, October 2014
• Water System Development Charges,
American Water Works Association Oregon
Subsection Waterworks School, June 2014
• Managing Financial Risk and Declining
Water Sales, Washington Finance Offi cers
Association Training Series, April 2014
1
Brooke Tacia
PROJECT MANAGER
EDUCATION
BA, Economics, Western
Washington University
WORK HISTORY
17 years (since 2006)
professional experience
Joined FCS GROUP in 2015
HIGHLIGHTED EXPERTISE
• Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate
Studies (Water, Sewer, Stormwater,
Solid Waste, and Electric)
• System Development Charges
(SDC) / Connection Charges
• Utility Revenue Requirement
• Utility Rate Modeling
• Conservation District
Rate Development
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• Women in Public Finance
Association
Brooke Tacia is an FCS GROUP project manager with 17 years of fi nancial analysis
and modeling experience for jurisdictions in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Iowa,
as well as Washington Conservation Districts. She has performed numerous
water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, and electric utility rate analyses, revenue
requirement studies, cost-of-service assessments, and utility fi nance engagements
throughout the Northwest. She has also performed in-depth analysis of rate
structures, developed weather dependent demand forecasting tools, created
purchased water cost predictors based on draught probabilities, craft ed
alternatives to help mitigate overall charge increases, and analyzed fi nancial
stability ratios to gauge utilities’ fi nancial health. Additionally, Brooke has presented
“Rate Sett ing Fundamentals” for the American Water Works Association and
Association of Washington Cities and most recently presented “COVID-19-Utility
Responses and Impacts” for the Washington Finance Offi cers Association.
Brooke previously worked as an analyst for a national grocery retailer performing
long-term fi nancial planning on physical assets and real estate holdings.
CONTACT
BrookeT@fcsgroup.com
(425) 502-6225
"Favorite consultants [FCS
GROUP and Brooke Tacia]:
Council just passed our
new rates! Thank you!!
Thank you!! Thank you!!
Wonderful job as always."
>Bill Franz
Public Works Director
City of Lynnwood
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
IDAHO
CENTRAL ORCHARDS SEWER DISTRICT
• Equity Buy-In Fee Analysis
COEUR D’ALENE
• Water Rate Study and Capitalization Fee
HAYDEN LAKES IRRIGATION DISTRICT
• Rates and Connection Fee Study
SANDPOINT
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study
ARIZONA
PEORIA
• Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Rate Study
• Water and Wastewater Rate Update
and Drought Rate Surcharge
BROOKE TACIA RESUME
WASHINGTON
AIRWAY HEIGHTS
• Water and Sewer Rate Update and
Transportation Impact Fee Study
ALDERWOOD WATER AND WASTEWATER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Water and Sewer GFC Update
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Analysis
• Water and Sewer Development Fee Study
AUBURN
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Development Study
BLAINE
• Wholesale Water Rate Support
CAMAS
• Water System Plan
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utility Rate and
SDC Study and Solid Waste Rate Study
CENTRALIA
• Electric Revenue Requirement Rate Study
CHELAN
• • Water and Sewer Cost of Service Rate
Study and Connection Charge Update
COVINGTON WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate Study
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
• Revenue Requirement Update and
Normalized Year Statistics Review
• Water Cost of Service Rate and Connection Charge Study
EAST WENATCHEE WATER DISTRICT
• Water Rate Study
EDMONDS
• Water Master Plan – Financial Chapter
ERLAND POINT WATER COMPANY
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
FERNDALE
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Financial Studies
FRANKLIN PUD
• Electric Cost of Service and Rate Design Study
• Rate Design Study Services
FRIDAY HARBOR
• Water and Sewer Revenue Requirement Study
• Water System Plan Financial Analysis
• Water, Sewer & Stormwater Rate Study
and Connection Charge Update
HIGHLINE WATER DISTRICT
• Water Master Plan – Financial Chapter
• Water Cost of Service Analysis
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #49
• Rate and CFC Study
LA CENTER
• Stormwater Formation
LONGVIEW
• Industrial Water Rate Analysis
LYNNWOOD
• Financial Consulting Services
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Sewer Plan Financial Analysis
MOAB IRRIGATION DISTRICT
• Water Rate and SDC Update
NORTH BEND
• Water and Sewer Rate Study and GFC Update
OLYMPIA
• Water Master Plan – Financial Chapter
• Stormwater Rate Study
OTHELLO
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
PASCO
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Irrigation
Cost of Service and Rate Study
• Process Water Reuse Facility Utility Rate Study
• Process Water Reuse Facility Capital Facilities Plan
• Process Water Connection Charge and
Cost of Service Rate Model Update
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
• Water and Sewer Capital Expansion Fee Update
• Irrigation Utility Revenue Requirement
& Connection Charge Update
PIERCE COUNTY
• Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
• Equitable Cost Allocation Study
• Unifi ed Sewer Plan
POULSBO
• Sewer Master Plan Update
RICHLAND
• Water Master Plan – Financial Chapter and Rate Study
• Solid Waste Rate Study and Business Case Analysis
• Water and Sewer Revenue Requirement
and Facility Fee Study
• Water and Irrigation Water Cost of Service Analysis
SKAGIT PUD
• Budget Process Support
• Water Rate and SDC Study
SNOHOMISH
• Water Cost of Service Rate Study
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD NO. 1
• Water Rate and Connection Fee Study
Water, Sewer and
Stormwwater Rate Study
3
SPOKANE
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Cost of
Service Analysis and Rate Design
• Outside City Rate Litigation and Expert Witness Services
STEVENSON
• Water and Sewer Rate and SDC Study
VERA WATER AND POWER
• Water Cost of Service Rate Study
WALLA WALLA
• Utility Rate Study
YELM
• Sewer Facilities Plan – Financial Chapter
• Water System Plan Update
• Sewer Surcharge Development
• Sewer Financial Services On-Call
WASHINGTON CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
CASCADIA CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Billing Database Update
CENTRAL KLICKITAT CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Study
CLARK CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
COLUMBIA BASIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Billing Database Maintenance
GRANT COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Multi-District Rate Development
• Billing Database Update
KING CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Update
• Billing Database Development
JEFFERSON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
PIERCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Billing Database Update
OKANOGAN CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Analysis
SNOHOMISH CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
THURSTON CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
• Billing Database Update
WHATCOM CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Study
WHIDBEY ISLAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT
• Rate Development Study
OREGON
BEND
• Outside City Multiplier Analysis
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Studies
• Sewer Cost of Service Analysis
• Sewer Utility Rate Model
• Stormwater Utility Rate Model
• Water Utility Rate Model
• Integrated Water Plan Financial Analysis
• Sewer Cost of Service Analysis
FOREST GROVE
• Electric Rate Model Update
METRO
• Solid Waste Reserve Fund Analysis
NEWPORT
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater and Infrastructure Rate Study
OREGON CITY
• Stormwater Rate and SDC Study
• Rate and SDC Benchmarking Study
PORTLAND
• Solid Waste Reserve Fund Analysis
TROUTDALE
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
IOWA
DES MOINES WATER WORKS
• Central Iowa Regional Water Facilitation
• Facilitating Regionalization of Water Production
• Supplemental Facilitation Services
BROOKE TACIA RESUME
RECENT PRESENTATIONS
• Capital Funding Considerations, Oregon Municipal
Finance Offi cers Association, March 2021
• Covid-19: Utility Responses and
Impacts, Infrastructure Assistance
Coordinating Council, October 2020
• Covid-19: Utility Responses and Impacts,
Washington Association of Finance Offi cers
Annual Conference, September 2020
• Covid-19: Utility Responses and Impacts, Washington
Public Utility District Association Commissioners
Education Workshop, September 2020
• Utility Rate Sett ing Fundamentals, Association
of Washington Cities, August 2020
• Rate Sett ing Fundamentals, AWWA Inland
Empire Subsection Conference, March 2019
• Utility Rate Sett ing Fundamentals, Association
of Washington Cities, June 2017
1
Tage Aaker
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
EDUCATION
BA, Business Administration,
Finance Concentration,
University of Washington
WORK HISTORY
13 years (since 2010)
professional experience
Joined FCS GROUP in 2011
HIGHLIGHTED EXPERTISE
• Utility Rate Modeling and
Forecasting (Water, Sewer,
and Stormwater)
• Equitable Rate Design
• Cost-of-Service Rate Design
• Stakeholder Communications
• Quality Assurance
• Comparative Research
• Connection Charges Development
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• Washington Finance Offi cers
Association Education Committ ee
Tage Aaker is an FCS GROUP senior project manager with 13 years of consulting
experience in utility rate studies, rate modeling, utility valuations, government
fee development, cost recovery programs, and economic analysis for clients
in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Alaska, California and Canada.
Tage specializes in developing sophisticated yet practical Excel-based rate
modeling tools to calculate full cost-of-service, determine cost-benefi t of
alternatives and improve user experience through dashboards and calculators.
His experience includes working with water, sewer and stormwater utility
clients to develop level of service scenarios that involved CIP analysis and
alternative funding strategies. He has also performed in-depth analysis of rate
structures, developed alternatives to help mitigate overall charge increases,
and analyzed fi nancial stability ratios to gauge utilities’ fi nancial health.
CONTACT
TageA@fcsgroup.com
(425) 615-6487
"My experience working with
Tage Aaker, and the entire FCS
Group team, has been positive
and rewarding. Tage’s technical
skills and commitment to client
service, along with his ability to
clearly communicate complex
fi nancial concepts and issues
to a variety of audiences, has
resulted in several successful
Utility-related fi nancial plans and
programs at the City of Bothell.
I look forward to continued
collaboration with Tage and
FCS Group in the future."
>Boyd E. Benson, PE, LEG
Utilities and Development
Services Manager
City of Bothell
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
MONTANA
BILLINGS
• Stormwater Utility Formation
BOZEMAN
• Stormwater Post Construction Program Rate Overview
HELENA
• Water and Sewer Rates and SDCs Study
IDAHO
BLACKFOOT
• Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Rate Study
TAGE AAKER RESUME
NEVADA
DOUGLAS COUNTY
• Sewer Availability Charge White Paper
WASHINGTON
ALDERWOOD WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Rate and GFC Study and
Financial Model Development
ANACORTES
• Water Rate Design and Review
• Retail Water Rate Study
• Sewer Cost of Service Analysis and Rate Design Study
AUBURN
• Utility Financial Programs and Financial
Chapter Development
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Cost of Service and Rate Study
• Water Supply Optimization Analysis
• Airport Assessment and Long-Term Rate Study
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
• Special Stormwater Rate Policy Analysis
BELLEVUE
• Development Services Cost of Service Study
BELLINGHAM
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Forecast Review
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Studies
• Treatment Plant Biosolids Planning
• Sewer Utility Excise Tax Review
• Wastewater Financial Plan
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
BONNEY LAKE
• Indirect Cost Allocation Plan
BOTHELL
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
• Covid-19 Utility Fund Evaluation
• Rate Advisory Services
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater CFC Study
BREMERTON
• Utility Service Contract Negotiations with the US Navy
BREWSTER
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
CARNATION
• Water and Sewer Rate and Charge Study
• Sewer Rate and Charge Development
• Stormwater Utility Formation Services
• Stormwater Formation and Rate Study
CENTRALIA
• Stormwater Rate Study
CHELAN COUNTY
• Manson Stormwater Utility Formation
CHELAN PUD
• Economic Impact Model
CLALLAM COUNTY
• Carlsborg Sewer Financial Plan
CLYDE HILL
• Stormwater Utility Formation Feasibility Study
DAYTON
• Water and Sewer Utility Financial Plan
DUVALL
• Sewer Rate and GFC Study
• Water System Plan Financial Analysis
• Wastewater Rate and GFC Study
EDGEWOOD
• Sewer Plan Financial Chapter
• Stormwater Financial Plan
• Utility Tax Benchmarking
• Sewer Plan Financial Analysis
EVERETT
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Cost-of-
Service Analysis and Rate Study
FEDERAL WAY
• Stormwater Plan Financial Chapter
FIRGROVE MUTUAL WATER COMPANY
• Water System Plan Update
• Water Rate Study
• TPU Market Rate Study
• Revenue Requirement Update
GRANT COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
• Fee Assessment Structure Update
ISLAND COUNTY
• Economic Development Study and
Infrastructure Funding Options
KELSO
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
KENNEWICK
• Stormwater Rate Study
KING COUNTY
• Solid Waste Fee Structure Redesign
• Local Hazardous Waste Management Program Evaluation
• Hazardous Waste Rate Design Implementation
• Metro Transit Reserve Policy Review
• Facilities Management Rate Survey and Study
LACEY
• Water Rate and Charge Study
• Water System Plan Financial Chapter
• Wastewater Comprehensive Plan
Financial Program and Rate Study
• Stormwater Rate Study
3
• Stormwater Comprehensive Plan Financial Chapter
LAKE STEVENS
• Stormwater Rate Study
LAKEHAVEN UTILITY DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Rate Study and Capital
Facility Charges Update
• Water and Sewer Study
• Water and Sewer Rate Update and
Wholesale Rate Development
LAKEWOOD
• Stormwater Rate Study
LAKEWOOD WATER DISTRICT
• Special Utility Financial Analysis
• Rate Assistance On Call
LAKE WHATCOM WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Rate Study and Update
• Water and Sewer GFC Study
LEWIS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
• TransAlta Industrial Park Preliminary Raw Water Rates
LOTT CLEAN WATER ALLIANCE
• Legal and Financial Mechanisms for Septic Conversion
LYNNWOOD
• Fleet Operations Rate Study
MAPLE VALLEY
• Stormwater Rate Study
MARYSVILLE
• Central Annexation Solid Waste Cost Benefi t Analysis
MASON COUNTY
• Belfair Sewer Financial Analysis
MERCER ISLAND
• EMS/Ambulance Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Update
• Development Services Cost-of-
Service Analysis and Fee Study
METRO PARKS TACOMA
• Administrative Performance Audit
MILTON
• Stormwater Rate Study
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
• Utility Overhead Analysis
• Stormwater Rate Study
• Sewer Comprehensive Plan
MOUNT VERNON
• Surface Water Rate Study
MUKILTEO WATER AND WASTEWATER DISTRICT
• Water and Wastewater Rate Study
MONROE
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
NEWCASTLE
• Stormwater Rate Study
OCEAN SHORES
• Ambulance Utility Cost-of-Service Analysis and Rate Study
PIERCE COUNTY
• Sewer Cost of Service Rate Study
PORT OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
• North End Master Plan Strategy
PORT ORCHARD
• Stormwater Plan Financial Analysis
• Sewer Rate Study
RIDGEFIELD
• Indirect Cost Plan Review
RENTON
• Water, Wastewater and Surface Water Rate and Charge Study
SAMMAMISH
• Stormwater Rate Studies
• Fire Services Evaluation
SEATAC
• Stormwater Rate Study
SEATTLE
• Department of Planning and Development Rental
Registration and Inspection Model Support
• Seatt le City Light and Seatt le Public Utilities
Customer Contact Center Cost Allocation Review
• Finance and Administrative Services Fee
Study and Cost Allocation Planning
• Aquatics and Athletic Field Fee Study
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
• Indirect Cost Allocation and Rate Study
SEQUIM
• Water / Sewer Rate and GFC Study
SHELTON
• Sewer Plan Financial Chapter
• Stormwater Revenue Requirement Forecast
• Stormwater Rate Study and Impervious Surface Analysis
• Water, Sewer Rate and GFC Study
SKYWAY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
• Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study
• Sewer Rate Structure and Multi-Family Credit Issue Papers
• Water and Sewer Rate Update
SOAP LAKE
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
SPANAWAY WATER COMPANY
• Revenue Requirement and Membership Fees
SPOKANE
• Full Cost Allocation Plan, Benefi t Rates
and Indirect Cost Rates
• Police Department Full Cost Allocation
Plan and Indirect Cost Rates
STEVENS PASS SEWER DISTRICT
• Sewer System Plan Financial Chapter
TAGE AAKER RESUME
SUNCADIA WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANY
• Sewer Rate Study
SUNNYSIDE
• Ambulance Cost and Service and Rate Study
TACOMA
• Cost Allocation, Cost Rate Analysis and Financial Modeling
• Ecology Stormwater Rate Structure Alternatives
TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
• Fees Assessment and Fiscal Sustainability Evaluation
THREE RIVERS REGIONAL WASTEWATER AUTHORITY
• Ammonia Surcharge Study
• SDC Consultation
THURSTON COUNTY
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Water and Sewer GFC Study
TUMWATER
• Equipment Rental and Replacement Charges Model Design
• Stormwater Funding Plan
• Cost Analysis of Private Residential
Storm Facility Maintenance
WENATCHEE
• Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Sewer Financial Plan
• Utility Tax Compliance Review
• Olds Station / Sunnyslope Area Sales and Property Tax Review
• Stormwater Master Plan and Rate Update
• Sewer and Stormwater Rate Study
WOODINVILLE
• Surface Water Rate Study
WHATCOM COUNTY
• Stormwater Formation
WHITMAN COUNTY
• Indirect Cost Allocation Model
YAKIMA
• Domestic Water Rate Study Update
• Utility Billing Division Business Process Analysis
• Wastewater, Industrial Wastewater
and Stormwater Rate Study
OREGON
CLACKAMAS COUNTY
• Cost Allocation Plan Review
• Economic Landscape Support Services
GRANTS PASS
• Water, Wastewater and Stormwater
Utility Rate and SDC Study
• Water Revenue Requirement Study
HILLSBORO
• Community Development Cost-of-Service Analysis
MADRAS
• Wastewater Rate and SDC Study
MULTNOMAH COUNTY
• Land Use Planning Division Fee Study
NEWPORT
• SDC Methodology and Construction Excise Tax Fee Study
PORT OF BANDON
• Strategic Business Plan
PORT OF GOLD BEACH
• Fish Waste Processing Facility Economic Feasibility Study
PORT OF MORROW
• Economic Impact Analysis
• Strategic Plan Update
PORT OF WILLAMETTE
• Willamett e Valley Intermodal Transfer Facility
PREMIER WEST BANK
• Shady Cove Water Works Appraisal Update
ST. HELENS
• Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Updates
TUALATIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
• Cost Allocation Model
WILSONVILLE
• Community Development Fund Financial Sustainability Plan
CALIFORNIA
LODI
• OMB A-87 Cost Allocation Plans and Indirect Cost Rates
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
• Sewer Lateral Funding Plan
VALLEJO
• Water System Valuation and Economic Advisory Services
YOLO COUNTY
• Wild Wings Water and Sewer Systems Appraisal
COLORADO
EVANS
• Sewer Revenue Requirement and Tap Fee
CANADA
CALGARY, AB
• Water, Wastewater and Storm Drainage Cost-
of-Service Analysis and Rate Study
5
RECENT PRESENTATIONS
• Stormwater Rate Structure Benchmarking
Survey Results, Washington State Municipal
Stormwater Conference, April 2023
• Stormwater Rate Structure Benchmarking Survey
Results, American Public Works Association
Washington Chapter, January 2023
• Solutions to Stormwater Rate
Challenges, Washington Finance Offi cers
Association, September 2022
• Rate Sett ing for Infrastructure Funding,
AWC Annual Conference, June 2022
• Rate Sett ing for Infrastructure Funding,
IACC Online Conference, October 2021
• Solutions to Stormwater Rate Challenges,
Washington Statewide Municipal
Stormwater Conference, April 2021
• The Importance of Utility Fiscal Policies, Municipal
Research and Services Center, May 2020
• Rate-Sett ing for Infrastructure Funding,
Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating
Council, Wenatchee, October 2019
• Utility Fiscal Management—Rate Sett ing
Fundamentals: Utility Fiscal Management Series
(Part 2 of 3), MRSC Webinar, March 2019
• Rate-Sett ing for Infrastructure Funding,
Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating
Council, Wenatchee, October 2018
• Rate-Sett ing for Infrastructure Funding,
Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council
Regional Training Event, Walla Walla, May 2018
• Utility Rate Sett ing Fundamentals: A
Spotlight on Smaller Jurisdictions, Association
of Washington Cities, June 2018
• Utility Rate Sett ing Fundamentals, Association
of Washington Cities, June 2016
• Are you Calculating your City Utility Tax
Correctly?, MRSC Article, July 2015
• White Paper: Sewer Availability Charge
for Douglas County, Nevada, 2012
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISAPPENDIX B - RESUMES 22Thank you for taking the time to review our qualifi cations.
UTILITY RATE CONSULTING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSISAPPENDIX B - RESUMES 237525 166th Ave. NE, Ste. D-215 / Redmond, WA 98052 / (425) 867-1802 / fcsgroup.com