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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 16_09/10/2009~` VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA ~?, ~~~~ AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL FORM .. 1. VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING: Meeting Date: September 10, 2009 Meeting Type: Regular Ordinance #: N/A Consent Agenda: Resolution #: 29-09 Originating Department: Finance 2. AGENDA ITEM TITLE: (Wording form the SUBJECT line of your staff report) Adoption of a revised schedule of fees and charges for the provision of water services 3. BUDGET /FINANCIAL IMPACT: Accounts -All Water Service Revenue Amount of this item: 7% Increase in fees and accounts charges Current Budgeted Amount Available: Amount Remaining after item: N/A - RY2010 Budget N/A Budget Transfer Required: No Appropriate Fund Balance: No 4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES: (This is a snap shot description of the agenda item) Village Council to adopt a revised schedule of fees and charges relating to the provision of water services rendered by the Village. 5. APPROVALS: Dept. Head: Attorney: (for legal sufficiency) Finance Director: Yes ^ No ^ ------. Village Manager: ~-Td~~' • SUBMIT FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION: • APPROVE ITEM: ^ • DENY ITEM: ^ ~~rrox~v~u~r FINANCE DEPARTMENT DATE: AUGUST 24, 2009 TO: MICHAEL R. COUZZO, VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: JOANN FORSYTHE, FINANCE DIRECTOR RE: RESOLUTION 29-09 ADOPTING A REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES RENEDERED Attached is the above mentioned ordinance adopting a revised schedule of fees and charges for the provision of water services rendered. Also attached is a letter from Public Resources Management Group, Inc., supporting and explaining the need fora 7% rate adjustment. 8/24/094:39 PM RESOLUTION NO.29-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE PROVISION OF WATER SERVICES RENDERED BY THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA FOR ITS CITIZENS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; REPEALING RESOLUTION 19-08; PROVIDING THAT THIS SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES SHALL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ALL TIMES AT THE VILLAGE HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Tequesta, Florida, desires to adopt a revised schedule of fees and charges relating to the provision of water services rendered by the Village for the citizens of the Village of Tequesta and for other members of the public; and WHEREAS, the Village Council desires to incorporate all such fees and charges assessed in accordance with Section 74-61 of the Code of Ordinances into one comprehensive fee schedule; and WHEREAS, the Village Council desires to make certain the schedule of fees and charges is available for inspection such that any member of the public may be aware of the cost of each and every service provided by the Village Department of Utilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: The Village Council of the Village of Tequesta, Florida, hereby officially repeals Resolutions 19-08, and adopts the revised Schedule of Fees and Charges attached hereto as AExhibit A@ and made part hereof as if fully set forth herein. Section 2: This duly adopted Schedule of Fees and Charges shall be available at the Village Hall for inspection by the public during normal business hours. Section 3: This Resolution shall take effect September 10, 2009. THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED by Council Member who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Council Member ,and being put to vote, the vote was as follows: "Exhibit A" Water Rate Res. 29-09 Ezhibit "A" Village of Teguesta Water Utilities Fees and Charges Monthly Water Service Charges A. Residential and Non-Residential Rate Schedule -Base Facilities Charges -The Base Facilities Charge is the minimum monthly charge and is based on meter size and monthly billing period as follows: Meter Size Basic Facilities Char e 5/8" or 3/4" $13.01 1" $32.49 1.5" $65.13 2" $104.00 3" $195.02 4" $325.00 6" $650.02 B. Metering ofMulti-family Buildings (M.F.) - Where a single meter is installed in a water connection serving amulti-family structure, the minimum monthly service charge shall be not less than an amount equal to the number of dwelling units multiplied by the minimum charge fora 5/8 inch meter or installed meter size, whichever is greater. In the event there is a single meter measuring quantities of water for two (2) or more residential units, the gallons measured and charged pursuant to the terms of this section shall be prorated by dividing the total number of gallons metered by the number of units included on the single meter. C. Metering of Multi-Unit Buildings -Non-Residential - In the case of any non- residential multi-unit building housing more than one (1) business or entity, each business or entity therein shall be metered individually. Monthly minimum service charges shall be based on the established charge by meter size. Where an existing single meter is installed in a water connection serving two (2) or more businesses or entities, the minimum monthly service charge shall also be based on the established charge by meter size. Fire protection charges for fire lines shall be separately included; see paragraph number 3 hereinbelow. Page 1 of 5 "Exhibit A" Water Rate Res. 29-09 2. Quantity Rate for Residential and Non-Residential Accounts -Applicable to all quantities of water shown by meter readings to have been delivered. A. Quantity Step Rate Per 1,000 allons or fraction thereof Amount Ste 1 $2.07 Ste 2 $3.47 Ste 3 $4.72 Ste 4 $6.05 B. Gallons e Allowance er Quanti Ste Rate Table Meter Size Ste 1 Ste 2 Ste 3 Ste 4 S/8" or 3/4" 1 - 12,000 12,001 - 25,000 25,001 - 40,000 Above 40,000 1" 1 - 30,000 30,001 - 62,000 62,001 - 100,000 Above 100,000 1.5" 1 - 60,000 60,001 - 125,000 125,001 - 200,000 Above 200,000 2" 1 - 96,000 96,001 - 200,000 200,001 - 320,000 Above 320,000 3" 1 - 180,000 180,001 - 375,000 375,001 - 600,000 Above 600,000 4" 1 - 300,000 300,001 - 625,000 625,001 -1,000,000 Above 1,000,000 6" 1 - 600,000 600,001 -1,250,000 1,250,001 - 2,000,000 Above 2,000,000 3. Fire Protection Charge A. Monthly Charge. See Section 74.63, Village Code of Ordinances Within the Village $1.26 monthly Outside the Village $1.58 monthly B. Private Fire Connections - * The following monthly service charges shall apply to private fire lines for sprinkling systems or other fire protection systems: Meter Size Amount 2" $8.93 3" $20.39 4" $36.96 6" $89.23 8" $152.95 10" $199.40 No taps will be allowed which may be used for other than fire protection purposes; and there shall be no connection with any other source of water. Page 2 of 5 "Exhibit A" Water Rate Res. 29-09 4. Meter Installation Charge -All water meters shall be installed by the Village of Tequesta, and the charge for making such meter installations or replacement of a meter of a different size upon request of the customer shall be as follows (all meters installed remain the property of the Village): A. B. Meter Installation Onl Meter Size Amount 5/8" $176.56 3/4" $201.77 1" $227.01 1.5" $453.98 2" $693.58 Above 2" Actual Cost Plus 10% Meter Installation with Water Main Tap (includes service line -maximum 100 LF Meter Size Amount 5/8" $580.09 3/4" $605.32 1" $718.80 1.5" $958.40 2" $2068.15 Above 2" Actual Cost Plus 10% Interrupted Service Charges A. Meter Turn On (New Accounts) .............................................$31.52 B. Meter Turn On or Turn Off; Customer Request (vacation orclose-out of account) (1) Tequesta Residents during business hours .................................... ............. $18.91 non-business hours ...................................................... $40.07 (2) Non-Tequesta Residents during business hours .....................................................$23.63 non-business hours ........................................................$50.09 C. Meter Turn-Off; for Non-Payment - 4x min. monthly service charge for the specific meter D. Transfer of Service ............ . . . ................................................ $12.61 Page 3 of 5 "Exhibit A" Water Rate Res. 29-09 6. Capital Connection Charge Meter Size Water 5/8" or 3/4" $2,686.08 1" $6,715.13 1.5" $13,430.28 2" $21,488.44 7. Security Deposits Meter Size Amount 5/8" or 3/4" (ad' er index $75.68 1" 3x month Service Char e $97.49 1.5" 3x month Service Char e $195.41 2" (3x month Service Char e) $311.99 3" (3x month Service Char a $585.03 4" (3x month Service Char e $975.02 6" (3x month Service Char e) $1,950.05 8. Interest on Deposits See Section 74-68., Village Code of Ordinances. 9. Meter or Hydrant Re-location for Customer's Convenience -Actual cost plus 10% of all related charges. See Section 74-69., Village Code of Ordinances. 10. Emergency Bulk Water Service Rate, per 1,000 gallons ............................. $1.83 11. Capacity Reservation Fee (monthly per ERU) .........................................$9.22 12. Automatic Annual Rate Adjustment -See Sections 74-72. and 74-73., Village Code of Ordinances. 13. Water Restriction Surcharge Adjustment -See Section 74-74., Village Code of Ordinances. 14. Miscellaneous Fees and Charges A. Returned Check - $25.00 if the face value does not exceed $50.00; $30.00 if the face value is more than $50.00 but does not exceed $300.00; $40.00 if the face value is more than $300.00, or 5% of the face amount of the check, whichever is greater. B. Late Payment Fees - 1 % of outstanding delinquent amount with a minimum charge of $5.00. Page 4 of 5 "Exhibit A" Water Rate Res. 29-09 C. Past Due Amounts on Disconnected Service - A 1% per month penalty will be charged on all past due amounts after discontinuance of service plus any and all costs associated with securing collection of the past due amount D. Meter Re-read .................................................................... $12.61 E. Meter Testin 5/8" or 3/4" ......................................................................................$56.77 1" .............................................................................$69.35 12" ................................................................................................... $81.97 2" ...........................................................................$113.49 F. Field Premise Visit ........ . . . ...................................................... $18.91 G. Line Location Services ...........................................................$50.46 H. Plan Review .............................3% ofthe construction cost, $150.00 minimum I. Inspection Fee. Per Visit ........................................................... $72.14 15. Tampering with Turned-Off Service A. Removal charge ........................................................................ $88.78 B. Re-installation charge 5/8"or3/4" ....................................................................................................... . . $221.96 1" or Larger ......................................................................Actual Cost C. Destruction of meter related equipment (1) Assessment for replacement of meter or meter related equipment (2) A minimum of $27.75 administrative charge per occurrence 16. Surcharge -Customers Outside the Village - 25% surcharge on monthly rates, fees, and charges. Sep 2009 -Resolution - Exhibit A -Utility Fee Exhibit Page 5 of 5 Public Resources Management Group, Inc. DRAFT August 13, 2009 Mr. Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. Village Manager Village of Tequesta 345 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, FL 33469-0273 Subject: Water System Rate Adjustment Dear Mike: As you know and previously at the request of the Village of Tequesta (the "Village"), Public Resources Management Group, Inc. (PRMG) prepared a Financial Forecast and Revenue Sufficiency Report dated October 8, 2008 (the "Sufficiency Report"). The purpose of this report was to develop a financial forecast of the water system revenues and expenditures to identify the ability of the System to finance the overall operating and capital needs of the water system and to identify any potential rate adjustments that may be required, in addition to any annual price index rate adjustments that may be enacted by the Village Council as allowed by the Village's current Rate Ordinance. The financial forecast included in the Sufficiency Report was for a five year projection period ending September 30, 2012. As referenced in the Sufficiency Report which was subsequently presented to the Village Council, PRMG identified the need for additional rate adjustments based on the assumptions recognized in the report. Specifically, the analysis recognized the need to adjust the water system revenues by 7.00% on January 1, 2009, which would be in addition to the price index adjustment that was made effective on October 1, 2009 by the Village. Also, the Sufficiency Report also identified the need to adjust rates in the future, based in part on the need to fund certain capital improvements to the water system. The recommended rate adjustment as identified in the Sufficiency Report and presented to the Village Council was postponed and not adopted by the Council. Since the preparation of the financial forecast, the Village's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Fiscal Year 2008 was prepared and issued. Based on information contained in the CAFR and other financial information made available to PRMG, it appears that the actual operating results for the Fiscal Year 2008 (especially as it related to revenues and operating expenses) were very close to the projections contained in the Sufficiency Report. This comparison is shown on Table 1 below. The only material difference between the actual results and the initial forecast essentially is the amount of capital re-investment assumed to be funded from rates. It should also be noted that depreciation expense is not considered as an Operating Expense as defined in the Loan Agreement between the Village and Bank of America, N.A. associated with the 2008 Promissory Note (the "Loan Agreement"). It should be noted that by K:\1056-OS\Corresp\Water System Rate Adj 8-13-2009.doc Mr. Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. Village of Tequesta August 13, 2009 Page 2 DRAFT including depreciation expense as an operating expense as reflected in the CAFR in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, a net loss was reported for the water system for the Fiscal Year 2008. For the purposes of determination of the revenue sufficiency from rates, a cash funding of a renewal and replacement fund (which was a funding requirement in the resolution that authorized the previously outstanding bonds that were refunded by the Promissory Note) or a capital account is recognized. Also, the funding of the principal and interest expense on the 2008 Promissory Note is also recognized as a requirement from rates since it is a "claim on the financial resources of the System"; the CAFR does not include the payment of principal on any debt or loans as an expense. Overall, it appears that the actual operations of the water system are generally consistent with the projections initially reflected in the Sufficiency Report as shown below. The only exception to the analysis was the savings derived from the refunding of the Series 1998 Bonds and a reduction in capital fund allocations. Table 1 Comparison of Fiscal Year 2008 Financial Results Fiscal Year 2008 Sufficiency Rpt. [1] Village CAFR [2] System Revenues and Income: [3) Charges for Services $3,413,958 $3,463,564 Miscellaneous Income and Connection Fees 57,694 39,955 Investment Income 63,107 72,811 Total System Revenues and Income $3,534,759 $3,576,330 Expenditure and Deposit Requirements: Operating Expenses, Less Depreciation [4] $2,731,406 $2,633,929 Annual Debt Service Payments -Series 1998 Bonds [5] 388,547 320,969 Annual Debt Service Payments - 2008 Promissory Note 113,108 113,108 Annual Debt Service Payments -BOA / VP (Tropic Vista) 44,722 45,135 Minimum Deposit to Renewal and Replacement Fund [6] 187,115 0 Additional Deposit to Renewal and Replacement Fund [7] 93,557 0 Deposit to Operating Reserves for Capital [8] 0 260,000 Capital Outlay Funded by Operations /Reserves 112,500 50,453 Total Expenditure and Deposit Requirements $3,670,955 3 378 459 Net Available for Other System Purposes 136 196 197 871 Footnotes on following page. Mr. Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. DRAFT Village of Tequesta August 13, 2009 Page 3 Footnotes from table on preceding page. [lj Amounts shown derived from estimates included in the Sufficiency Report for Fiscal Year 2008. [2] Amounts shown derived from the Fiscal Yeaz 2008 Comprehensive Armual Financial Report and other financial information made available to PRMG. [3] Amounts shown do include connection fees which are considered as recurring revenue associated primarily with Tropic Vista water assessment program. [4] Depreciation expense is considered as anon-cash expense and not included (consistent with Loan Agreement for rate covenant purposes also). If depreciation expense was recognized, a net operating loss for the Fiscal Year 2008 would have resuhed. Amounts shown also include other fiscal chazges as reflected in CAFR. [5] Includes benefits received from refunding Series 1998 Bonds by the 2008 Promissory Note; it should be noted that the annual debt payments in Fiscal Yeaz 2009 are anticipated to be $475,095 which is less than the 2008 debt service requirements. [6] Required by Band Resolution; assumed to equal 5% of previous year total system revenue far purposes of this analysis. The annual funding requirement is not a requiremerrt per the Loan Agreement. [7] Based on financial forecast and need to accrue funds for future capital expenditures, Sufficiency Report recognized an additional deposit to the Renewal and Replacement Fund to provide funds for future capital needs as identified in the report. (8] Recognizes deposit from rates for capital funding; such amount is in lieu of the funding of the Renewal and Replacement Fund which is no longer a requirement since not a condition of the Loan Agreement (the Series 1998 Bonds Resolution does not apply since no bonds were outstanding as of fiscal yeaz that were issued under such resolution). It is prudent that an annual allowance for capital funding be made each year from rates to support the going concern (creditworthiness) of the System. Although PRMG has not updated its financial analysis since the presentation of the Sufficiency Report last year, it appears that the overall recommendations (which includes an increase in capital funding) of the need for future rate adjustments is still considered be appropriate and prudent. Accordingly, we would still suggest that the Village consider the adoption of a 7% rate adjustment as initially presented in the Sufficiency Report to be made effective on or about October 1, 2009. Also if the Village were to adopt the rate adjustment, this would be in addition to the price index rate adjustment that the Village should implement as part of its annual indexing program effective October 1, 2009 (for Fiscal Year 2010). It should be noted that several other public utilities in Southeast Florida have been materially raising rates for a variety of reasons, including i) continued reduced water sales due to the ongoing water restrictions and general conservation efforts mandated by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD); ii) continued effects of the ongoing downturn in the economy; iii) the need to fund the alternative water resource projects based on the results of the Lower East Coast Water Supply Plan as commissioned by the SFWMD; iv) continued effects of inflation on the cost of operations and capital re-investment; and v) other factors. The following is a summary of utility rate adjustments (either adopted or planned to be adopted) that PRMG is aware of for the Village's information. (Remainder of page intentionally left blank) Mr. Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. Village of Tequesta August 13, 2009 Page 4 • Boynton Beach • Cape Coral • Charlotte County • Dania Beach • Davie • Fort Lauderdale • Hollywood • Lake Worth -Water • Lake Worth -Sewer • Marco Island • Margate • North Port • Plantation • Polk County • Sunrise • Tampa • West Palm Beach 68% FY 2009 Through 2013 48% FY 2010 Through 2014 16% FY 2009 Through 2012 52% FY 2009 Through 2011 139% FY 2008 Through 2011 26% FY 2009 29% FY 2010 88% FY 2010 Through 2014 55% FY 2010 Through 2014 27.7% FY 2010 Through 2011 44% FY 2009 Through 2011 15.6% FY 2010 Through 2011 34.9% FY 2010 Through 2011 21.6% FY 2009 Through 2012 40% FY 2009 21.5% FY 2009 Through 2012 75.6% FY 2008 Through 2011 DRAFT In addition, it is also anticipated that the Village of Wellington, Town of Jupiter, the Cities of Oakland Park, Cooper City, and Boca Raton, and Palm Beach and Martin Counties will be adjusting rates in the near future (either through a formal rate study or by an annual index; the amount of the rate adjustments are not known at this time). As can be seen, the request for an increase by the Village is relatively low when compared to the recent rate activity of other South Florida utilities. In order to provide additional information regarding the existing and recommended rates for the Village, a comparison of the monthly cost of providing water service fora 5/8 by 3/4 inch water meter at various usage levels was prepared. This comparison is shown on Table 2 at the end of this letter. Also included on Table 2 is a comparison are bills calculated under the rates of other neighboring Florida utilities as of the billing month of July 2009. The monthly bills for the various Florida utilities used for the comparison are exclusive of local taxes. The 5/8 by 3/4 inch meter comparison was prepared since this represents the majority of the Village's water residential customers and the majority of the customers for the other utilities reflected in the comparison. As can be seen on the comparison on Table 2 and as summarized below, the System rates produce bills for the Village which is comparable in amount when compared to the other neighboring utilities. Mr. Michael R. Couzzo, Jr. DRAFT Village of Tequesta August 13, 2009 Page 5 Average Monthly Water Bill at 10,000 Gallons of Use Amount Village of Tequesta: Existing Rates $31.46 Recommended Rates [1] 33.71 Other Neighboring Utilities [2] $41.67 [l] Reflects existing rates adjusted by a rate increase of 7% applied uniformly to such rates; does not include any poterrtial price index rate adjustments which are not known at this time. [2] Amourd derived from Table 2 at end of letter. In summary, based on our understanding of the current financial position of the water system, the future capital needs previously identified for the system, and in order to continue to maintain the overall creditworthiness of the system, we would agree that the imposition of the 7% rate adjustment is prudent and should be considered by the Village Council. We would also recommend that the Village may want to update the financial forecast and plan to identify any potential issues that may occur in the future for strategic planning purposes. If the Village were to implement the 7% rate adjustment, this adjustment should be in addition to any price index adjustment which is annually implemented as an inflation hedge on the cost of operations. It is expected that the adjusted rates for water service would still be competitive with the rates charged be other neighboring public utilities for potable water service. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to the Village and the support provided by the Village staff with respect to our general review of the water system rates as documented in this letter. Very truly yours, Public Resources Management Group, Inc. Robert J. Ori President Attachment