HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 031-20RECORD OF ORDINANCES
BARRETT BROTHERS - DAYTON, OHIO Form 6220$
Ordinance No. 31"20 Passed
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 51 AND 52
ESTABLISHING USER FEES AND CAPACITY CHARGES
FOR THE SANITARY SEWER AND WATER SYSTEMS
WHEREAS, a financial analysis of the City's Water and Sewer Funds is conducted
annually as part of the Capital Improvements Program update; and
WHEREAS, the financial analysis is completed to evaluate the water and sewer
system rate structure and projected fund balance in the Water and Sewer Funds;
and
WHEREAS, the City's goal is to maintain water and sewer rate structures which are
adequatE! to insure the Water and Sewer Funds (Enterprise Funds) are self-
supporting, including the costs of operations, maintenance of the systems, debt
service obligations and necessary capital replacements; and
WHEREAS, based on the financial analysis completed as part of the 2021 — 2025
Capital Improvements Program and the Water and Sewer Rate Study completed in
August 2020 by NewGen Strategies and Solutions, it is necessary to amend the fees
for the water systems and sanitary sewer user fees and capacity charges.
NOW, T14EREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Dublin, State
of Ohio, _ members of the elected officials concurring:
Section 1.
Section 51.64 of the Codified Ordinances to be amended to read as follows:
(A) The following rate is the charge for sewer service and use and is based on
metered consumption of water for the area of the City served by the City of
Columbu:3:
Rate Per 1,000 Cubic Feet
Effective Date
January 1, 2021 $12.75
(B) These rates are in addition to the sewer rates charged by the City of
Columbus-.
(C) The following rate is the charge for sewer service and use for the area of
the city serviced by Delaware County:
Flat Rate Per Month
Effective Date
January 1., 2021 $14.00
(D) These rates are in addition to the sewer rates charged by the Delaware
County.
(E) Fees received from use of the sewer system shall be deposited in the
Sewer Fund and used for the operation and maintenance of the system, including
capital improvements and any related debt service.
Section 2.
Section 5;2.06(A) of the Codified Ordinances be amended to read as follows:
(A) The following rates are charges for water service and use and are based on
metered consumption of water:
RECORD OF ORDINANCES
BARRETT BROTHERS - DAYTON, OHIO
31-20
Ordinance No.
Rate Per 1,000 Cubic Feet
Effective Date
January 1, 2021 $3.15
Page 2
Section 3, EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance adopting the schedule of fees and service charges shall take effect on
January 1, 2021.
Passed this Cday of,AJ 0 OP1-�
Mayor -Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Clerk of Council
2
Form 6220S
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Center • Dublin, OH 43017-1090
City of Dublin Phone: 614-410-4400 • Fax: 614-410-4490
Memo
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
Date: October 20, 2020
Initiated By: Matthew L. Stiffler, Director of Finance
Re: Ordinance 31-20 Amending Chapter 51 and 52 Establishing User Fees and
Capacity Charges for the Sanitary Sewer and Water Systems
Summary
A comprehensive study of the City's water and sanitary sewer rates was conducted by New Gen
Strategies and Solutions and was completed in August 2020. This review recommended 3% annual
increases in water and sanitary sewer rates. Additionally, a financial review of the City's Water and
Sewer Funds was completed as part of the annual update of the City's Capital Improvements
Program (CIP). The review included financial projections through 2025 for operating costs, capital
improvement projects, and existing and projected debt service obligations. Based on the study and
the financial review of the operations for both funds, it was determined that 3% adjustments to
the user fees in the sewer fund were warranted.
Ordinance No. 31-20 increases water and sanitary sewer fees by the recommended 3% in 2021.
Water rates have decreased from $3.80 per 1,000 cubic feet in 2011 to $3.05 in 2015 and have
since remained unchanged. Sanitary sewer rates have not changed since 2018 when they were
increased by $0.50 to $12.35 per 1,000 cubic feet.
Implementation of the recommended user fees for the Columbus Service Area will result in the
following rates per 1,000 cubic feet:
*These rates are in addition to rates charged by the City of Columbus.
Based on the average Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of 1,100 cubic feet of water usage per
month, the average quarterly Dublin surcharge costs are estimated as follows:
Water *
Sewer *
Total
Current rate — 2020
$3.05
$12.35
$15.40
2021 change
$0.10
$0.40
$0.50
New rate — 2020
$3.15
$12.75
$15.90
*These rates are in addition to rates charged by the City of Columbus.
Based on the average Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of 1,100 cubic feet of water usage per
month, the average quarterly Dublin surcharge costs are estimated as follows:
Water
Sewer
Total
Current rate — 2020
$10.07
$40.76
$50.83
New rate — 2020
$10.40
$42.08
$52.48
Memo re. Ordinance No. 31-20 Amending Chapter 51 and 52 Establishing User Fees and Capacity
Charges for the Sanitary Sewer and Water Systems
October 20, 2020
Page 2 of 2
The recommended water and sanitary sewer system user fee adjustments also apply to the area
that is served by Delaware County (Wedgewood Hills, Campden Lakes, and Wedgewood Glen).
Delaware County charges a flat rate user charge and the monthly Dublin user charge reflected in
the ordinance is based on an ERU of 1,100 cubic feet of water usage per month and the user fee
rates per MCF.
*These rates are in addition to rates charged by Delaware County.
The rate structures for both the water and sanitary sewer systems will continue to be reviewed as
part of the annual CIP process. Based on the need to continually maintain the sanitary sewer lines
and potential service expansions, future user fees and capacity charges will continue to be
evaluated to determine the need to adjust rates in the future.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 31-20 at the second reading/public hearing on
November 9, 2020.
Sewer — Monthly *
Sewer — Ouarterly
Current rate — 2020
$13.60
$40.80
2021 change
$0.40
$1.20
New rate — 2021
$14.00
$42.00
*These rates are in addition to rates charged by Delaware County.
The rate structures for both the water and sanitary sewer systems will continue to be reviewed as
part of the annual CIP process. Based on the need to continually maintain the sanitary sewer lines
and potential service expansions, future user fees and capacity charges will continue to be
evaluated to determine the need to adjust rates in the future.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 31-20 at the second reading/public hearing on
November 9, 2020.
NewGen
Strategies :
City of Dublin
c,ty of Water and Sewer Rate Study
Dublin Final Report
OHIO, USA August 2020
NewGen . 911-A Commerce Road • Annapolis, MD 21401 • 410.266.9101 • newgenstrategies.net
& Solutions
August 19, 2020
Mr. Matthew Stiffler
Director of Finance
City of Dublin
5200 Emerald Parkway
Dublin, OH 43017
Subject: Water and Sewer Rate Study
Dear Mr. Stiffler:
911-A Commerce Road
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 266-9101
Fax: (410) 266-5545
NewGen Strategies and Solutions is pleased to submit to the City of Dublin this report summarizing the
water and sewer rate study. This document represents the results of our analysis of the forecasted costs
of providing water and sewer service to the City's customers and our recommendations for recovering
these costs over the next five years. The study provides several recommendations that will enhance the
financial health and stability of the City's operations while equitably charging its customers for the services
provided.
It has been a distinct pleasure to work with the City. The assistance provided by management and staff
was essential to the completion of this study. The dedication of everyone who assisted in the study
process should be acknowledged and was vital to the success of the study. Thank you for the opportunity
to work with the City on this important project.
Very truly yours,
2��
Michael Maker
Executive Consultant
NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC
Economics Strategy I Stakeholders Sustainability
www.newgenstrategies.net
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................................................... i
1. BASIS FORTH E STUDY....................................................................................................................1
1.1 Objective and Scope............................................................................................................................1
1.2 Background.........................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Guiding Principles................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Assumptions........................................................................................................................................
2
2. REVENUE REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................................................3
2.1 Operating Costs...................................................................................................................................
3
2.2 Capital Costs........................................................................................................................................
5
2.2.1 Current Debt Service....................................................................................................................
5
2.2.2 Planned Capital Improvement Projects.......................................................................................6
2.2.3 New Debt Service.........................................................................................................................
7
2.3 Revenue Requirements.......................................................................................................................8
3. WATER USAGE AND SEWAGE GENERATION..................................................................................10
4. FINANCIAL PLAN AND PROPOSED RATES.......................................................................................12
4.1 Current Revenue...............................................................................................................................12
4.2 Proposed Revenue............................................................................................................................13
4.3 Water and Sewer Cash Balances.......................................................................................................15
4.4 Current Water and Sewer Rates.......................................................................................................16
4.5 Projected Water and Sewer Rates....................................................................................................16
S. CUSTOMER BILL IMPACTS.............................................................................................................17
5.1 Sample Bills.......................................................................................................................................17
5.2 Quarterly Bill Comparison.................................................................................................................17
6. FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................18
6.1 Findings.............................................................................................................................................18
6.2 Conclusions.......................................................................................................................................19
6.3 Recommendations............................................................................................................................21
NewGen City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Table of Exhibits
TABLE OF EXHIBITS
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Aueust2020
Exhibit 2.1.1 FY 2020 Water Operating Expenses.........................................................................................
3
Exhibit 2.1.2 Projected Water Operating Expenses......................................................................................4
Exhibit 2.1.3 FY 2020 Sewer Operating Expenses.........................................................................................4
Exhibit 2.1.4 Projected Sewer Operating Expenses......................................................................................
5
Exhibit 2.2.1 Current Water Debt Service Payments....................................................................................
6
Exhibit 2.2.2 Current Sewer Debt Service Payments....................................................................................
6
Exhibit 2.2.3 Planned Water Capital Projects by Funding Source.................................................................
7
Exhibit 2.2.4 Planned Sewer Capital Projects by Funding Source.................................................................
7
Exhibit 2.2.5 New Sewer Debt Service Payments.........................................................................................8
Exhibit 2.3.1 Water Revenue Requirements.................................................................................................9
Exhibit 2.3.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements.................................................................................................9
Exhibit 3.1.1 Water Usage Projections (1,000 cubic feet)..........................................................................10
Exhibit 3.1.2 Sewage Generation Projections (1,000 cubic feet)................................................................11
Exhibit 3.1.3 Flat Rate Sewer Customers....................................................................................................11
Exhibit 4.1.1 Water Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue...........................................................12
Exhibit 4.1.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue...........................................................13
Exhibit 4.2.1 Water Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue ...........................14
Exhibit 4.2.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue ...........................14
Exhibit 4.3.1 Water Cash Balance...............................................................................................................15
Exhibit 4.3.2 Sewer Cash Balance...............................................................................................................15
Exhibit 4.4.1 Current Water and Sewer Rates............................................................................................16
Exhibit 4.4.2 Current Sewer Flat Rate.........................................................................................................16
Exhibit 4.5.1 Projected Water and Sewer Rates.........................................................................................16
Exhibit 4.5.2 Projected Sewer Flat Rate......................................................................................................16
Exhibit 5.1.1 Quarterly Sample Bills (Residential Customer)......................................................................17
Exhibit 5.2.1 Example Quarterly Bill (1,800 cubic feet)..............................................................................17
Exhibit 6.1.1 Water Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue...........................................................18
Exhibit 6.1.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue...........................................................19
Exhibit 6.2.1 Water Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue ...........................20
Exhibit 6.2.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue ...........................20
Exhibit 6.3.1 Projected Water and Sewer Rates.........................................................................................21
Exhibit 6.3.2 Projected Sewer Flat Rate......................................................................................................21
NewGen City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Version: FINAL
Executive Summary August 2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This document was prepared to present the work performed by NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC
during the water and sewer rate study for the City of Dublin ("the City'). The study provides a financial
plan for funding of the operating and capital costs of the City's water and sewer systems over a five-year
planning period (FY 2021 to FY 2025).
Objective and Scope
The objective and scope of services set forth between the City and NewGen can be grouped into three
major tasks:
1. Revenue Requirements - Determine the true cost of providing water and sewer service by
developing comprehensive revenue requirements for the water and sewer systems.
Financial Plan - Develop a financial plan for the City to ensure that water and sewer rates and
charges provide adequate revenues over the projection period.
3. Charge and Rate Design -Create a water and sewer rate design that appropriately allocates costs
among the City's customers based on the City's goals and objectives, specifically addressing
customer impacts and revenue stability.
The water and sewer rate study has been completed based on these three tasks, which are documented
in this report.
Background
While its earliest settlements date back to 1802, Dublin was officially incorporated as a City in 1987. The
City is located in central Ohio, surrounding the Scioto River in the northwest area of metropolitan
Columbus. The City has a population of more than 47,000 residents within a total area of just under 25
square miles.
The City has a Council/Manager form of government. The City is governed by a seven -member Council
(including a Mayor), with three Council members elected at large and four elected from each of the four
wards of Dublin. All Council members serve four-year terms. The City Manager is responsible for day-to-
day administration and operations.
The City provides water distribution service to over 12,400 accounts and sewer collection service to
12,000 accounts. The City purchases all water from and has all sewage treated by the City of Columbus
Department of Utilities under Sewer and Water Agreements from 1993 (and subsequent addendums). In
addition to water and sewer treatment services, the City of Columbus also provides meter reading, billing
and collection of rates for the City. Also, a small number of City customers have their sewage treated by
the Delaware County Regional Sewer District.
Guiding Principles
The following principles were used to guide the rate study and were developed with the assistance of City
staff:
Notwithstanding any transfers related to the City's sewer extension policy, the water and sewer
systems must each be financially self-supporting. It is assumed that the cost of operating and
maintaining the systems must be supported by the water and sewer rates and charges collected
NewGen i City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Executive Summary
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
from customers with no support from one fund to the other. If at any time, water (or sewer)
resources must be used to support the sewer (or water) system, repayment shall be made in an
appropriate amount of time.
• The City should maintain reserves to provide for contingencies and unplanned expenses and to
ensure that funds are generated to allow for appropriate future system replacement.
• Water and sewer rates and charges shall be kept as low as possible over time. It is possible to
keep rates low for a period of time by not investing sufficiently in the maintenance of the water
and sewer systems, but eventually the systems will deteriorate and require substantial
investments leading to the need for significant and immediate rate increases. The assumption
that the City will continually reinvest in the water and sewer systems to replace assets as they
reach the end of their useful lives is built into the analysis and allows for timely and predictable
rate increases.
Assumptions
The following high-level assumptions were used to guide the rate study and were developed with the
assistance of City staff:
Operating and maintenance expenses:
— Labor: 2.5% escalation rate per year
— Benefits: 3.0% escalation rate per year
— Services: 1.0% escalation rate per year
— Supplies, Equipment and Maintenance, Other: 2.0% escalation rate per year
• Water and sewer customer changes: 0.5% growth per year
• Water usage changes: 0.0% growth per year (no growth)
• Sewage generation changes: 0.5% growth per year
Miscellaneous revenues: 0.0% growth per year (no growth)
Target operating cash balance: 360 days of operating expenses
Depending on availability, actual Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 or budgeted FY 2020 data was used as the base
upon which forecasted figures were developed. All years within this report refer to the City's fiscal year
(January 1 to December 31). While the financial model built for this study allows for projections on a year -
by -year basis for 10 -years, the charts and tables within this report provide data for a five-year planning
period in which rates and charges have been calculated (FY 2021— FY 2025).
NewGen ii City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
Executive Summary August 2020
Findings
The following findings were developed during the study:
Revenue collected at current rates is insufficient to cover all of the revenue requirements for FY
2021 through FY 2025. Current water and sewer rates, if left in place, would not generate
sufficient revenue to fund the revenue requirements.
Water Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue
Millions
$5.0 —
$4.5 —
$4.0 —
$3.5 —
$3.0 —
$2.5 —
$2.0 —
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5
$0.0
Chance. -16.0%8.1%
41.3%
Cash Funded Capital Projects
0
� Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
—Current Revenue
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Sewer Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue
Millions
$5.0 48.7%
$4.5
$4.0 -17.8% -0.1%
Change, 44.6%
$3.5 -
- . o
$3.0 — ■
$2.5 —
$2.0 —
$1.5
$1.0 —
$0.5 —
$0.0 —
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
New Debt Service
Cash Funded Capital Projects
Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
—Current Revenue
NewGen Hi City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Executive Summary
Conclusions
Based on our findings, the following conclusions were drawn
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
• The City needs to increase water and sewer rates over the five-year planning period to keep
revenues in line with expenses and to fund the required operating and capital costs identified.
• The City should address the shortfalls in revenue through the use of current cash balances as well
as adjusting rates on a multi-year basis. This will allow the City to smooth rate increases over the
planning period (as shown by proposed revenue in the exhibits below) and mitigate customer rate
shock while meeting cash target requirements.
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0 —
$3.5 —
$3.0 —
$2.5 —
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0 —
$0.5 —
$0.0 —
Water Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue
Chanae. -16.0%8.1%
41.3%
Cash Funded Capital Projects
'6 Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
—Proposed Revenue
—Current Revenue
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
NewGen iv City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
Executive Summary
Sewer Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
Change, 44.6%
$3.5 -
$3.0 - ■
$2.5 -
$2.0 -
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5 —
$0.0
FY 2020
48.75v
-17.8% -0.1%
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Aueust2020
New Debt Service
-8.0%
■ � Cash Funded Capital Projects
Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
■ Proposed Revenue
—Current Revenue
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Recommendations
Based on our conclusions, the following recommendations were made:
Adopt the following recommended rates for the next five years.
Projected Water and Sewer Rates
Projected Sewer Flat Rate
Review rates and charges on an annual basis and revise as needed. Consider a full cost of service
study for all rates and charges every four to five years. While it is recommended to adopt rates
and charges for five years so they do not have to be revisited and voted on every year by the City
Council, it is financially prudent to review expenses and revenues annually to ensure actual values
are relatively in line with those projected.
NewGen v City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
1. Basis for the Studv
1. BASIS FOR THE STUDY
1.1 Objective and Scope
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
The objective and scope of services set forth between the City of Dublin ("the City') and NewGen
Strategies and Solutions, LLC (NewGen) can be grouped into three major tasks:
4. Revenue Requirements - Determine the true cost of providing water and sewer service by
developing comprehensive revenue requirements for the water and sewer systems.
Financial Plan - Develop a financial plan for the City to ensure that water and sewer rates and
charges provide adequate revenues over the projection period.
6. Charge and Rate Design -Create a water and sewer rate design that appropriately allocates costs
among the City's customers based on the City's goals and objectives, specifically addressing
customer impacts and revenue stability.
The water and sewer rate study has been completed based on these three tasks, which are documented
in this report.
1.2 Background
While its earliest settlements date back to 1802, Dublin was officially incorporated as a City in 1987. The
City is located in central Ohio, surrounding the Scioto River in the northwest area of metropolitan
Columbus. The City has a population of more than 47,000 residents within a total area of just under 25
square miles.
The City has a Council/Manager form of government. The City is governed by a seven -member Council
(including a Mayor), with three Council members elected at large and four elected from each of the four
wards of Dublin. All Council members serve four-year terms. The City Manager is responsible for day-to-
day administration and operations.
The City provides water distribution service to over 12,400 accounts and sewer collection service to
12,000 accounts. The City purchases all water from and has all sewage treated by the City of Columbus
Department of Utilities under Sewer and Water Agreements from 1993 (and subsequent addendums). In
addition to water and sewer treatment services, the City of Columbus also provides meter reading, billing
and collection of rates for the City. Also, a small number of City customers have their sewage treated by
the Delaware County Regional Sewer District.
1.3 Guiding Principles
The following principles were used to guide the rate study and were developed with the assistance of City
staff:
Notwithstanding any transfers related to the City's sewer extension policy, the water and sewer
systems must each be financially self-supporting. It is assumed that the cost of operating and
maintaining the systems must be supported by the water and sewer rates and charges collected
from customers with no support from one fund to the other. If at any time, water (or sewer)
resources must be used to support the sewer (or water) system, repayment shall be made in an
appropriate amount of time.
The City should maintain reserves to provide for contingencies and unplanned expenses and to
ensure that funds are generated to allow for appropriate future system replacement.
NewGen 1 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
1. Basis for the Studv
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Aueust2020
Water and sewer rates and charges shall be kept as low as possible over time. It is possible to
keep rates low for a period of time by not investing sufficiently in the maintenance of the water
and sewer systems, but eventually the systems will deteriorate and require substantial
investments leading to the need for significant and immediate rate increases. The assumption
that the City will continually reinvest in the water and sewer systems to replace assets as they
reach the end of their useful lives is built into the analysis and allows for timely and predictable
rate increases.
1.4 Assumptions
The following high-level assumptions were used to guide the rate study and were developed with the
assistance of City staff:
Operating and maintenance expenses:
— Labor: 2.5% escalation rate per year
— Benefits: 3.0% escalation rate per year
— Services: 1.0% escalation rate per year
— Supplies, Equipment and Maintenance, Other: 2.0% escalation rate per year
• Water and sewer customer changes: 0.5% growth per year
• Water usage changes: 0.0% growth per year (no growth)
• Sewage generation changes: 0.5% growth per year
Miscellaneous revenues: 0.0% growth per year (no growth)
Target operating cash balance: 360 days of operating expenses
Depending on availability, actual Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 or budgeted FY 2020 data was used as the base
upon which forecasted figures were developed. All years within this report refer to the City's fiscal year
(January 1 to December 31). While the financial model built for this study allows for projections on a year -
by -year basis for 10 -years, the charts and tables within this report provide data for a five-year planning
period in which rates and charges have been calculated (FY 2021— FY 2025).
NewGen 2 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Reauirements
2. REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
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Aueust2020
This section of the report outlines the historical and future costs of operating and maintaining the City's
systems, which constitute the water and sewer systems' revenue requirements (i.e., the amount of
revenue required to be collected from customers). Our approach includes a detailed review of each of the
costs incurred by the City. The cost analysis is broken into two main categories of costs: (1) operating costs
and (2) capital costs (including debt and cash funding). This section describes each of the categories of
costs incurred by the City as it provides water and sewer service. The costs are based on official documents
and data provided by the City.
2.1 Operating Costs
The day-to-day operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses of the water and sewer systems can be
grouped into the following major categories:
Benefits
• Services
• Supplies
Equipment/Maintenance
Other
Budgeted FY 2020 water expenses total approximately $0.85 million. Exhibit 2.1.1 provides a breakdown
by category (with percent of total budget).
Exhibit 2.1.1 FV 2020 Water Operating Expenses
To project operating expenses, FY 2020 water expense line items were increased using the various
escalation rates (i.e., inflation) provided in Section 1.4.
Exhibit 2.1.2 shows water O&M budgeted expenses for the base year and the five-year planning period
(with percent change from the previous year).
NewGen 3 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Reauirements
N $2.0
c
$1.8
$1.6
$1.4
$1.2
$1.0
$0.8
$0.6
$0.4
$0.2
$0.0
Exhibit 2.1.2 Projected Water Operating Expenses
%Change, 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8%
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
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■ Equip/Maint
■ Benefits
■Supplies
■ Labor
■ Services
Budgeted FY 2020 sewer expenses total approximately $1.42 million. Exhibit 2.1.1 provides a breakdown
by category (with percent of total budget).
Exhibit 2.1.3 FV 2020 Sewer Operating Expenses
Other Suoolies
To project operating expenses, FY 2020 sewer expense line items were increased using the various
escalation rates (i.e., inflation) provided in Section 1.4.
Exhibit 2.1.2 shows sewer O&M budgeted expenses for the base year and the five-year planning period
(with percent change from the previous year).
NewGen 4 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Reauirements
Exhibit 2.1.4 Projected Sewer Operating Expenses
N $2.0
c
$1.8
$1.6 %Change, 2.1% 2.1%
$1.4
$1.2
$1.0
$0.8
$0.6
$0.4
$0.2
$0.0
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Aueust2020
2.1%
2.1% 2.1%
■ Supplies
■ Other
■ Equip/Maint
■ Benefits
■ Services
■ Labor
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
2.2 Capital Costs
The annualized capital costs related to providing water and sewer service are generally comprised of
current debt service and any anticipated capital projects, which may be funded via the issuance of debt
(typically bonds, loans or similar financial instruments) or funded from cash (either reserves on hand or
cash derived from operations).
2.2.1 Current Debt Service
The City issues bonds or takes out loans to fund capital projects to mitigate the financial burden on
customers and the City's available fund balance by spreading the costs of long-lived assets over several
years. As of FY 2020, the City is paying principal and interest payments on two water debt instruments
and five sewer debt instruments.
Exhibit 2.2.1 and Exhibit 2.2.2 provide a breakdown of the City's current principal and interest payments
(with percent change from the previous year) for the base year and five-year planning period for water
and sewer, respectively.
NewGen 5 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Reauirements
Exhibit 2.2.1 Current Water Debt Service Payments
N $1.0
°- $0.9
$0.8 -
$0.7
$0.6
$0.5
$0.4
$0.3 Change, -0.2% 1.2% 0.9% -1.0% -0.7%
$0.2
$0.1
$0.0
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Exhibit 2.2.2 Current Sewer Debt Service Payments
N $1.0
°--_ $0.9
$0.8 %Change, 0.4% -0.6%
$0.7
CE
$0.5
$0.4
$0.3
$0.2
$0.1
$0.0
0.7% 0.4% -0.3%
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
2.2.2 Planned Capital Improvement Projects
■ Principal
■ Interest
■ Principal
■ Interest
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
The City's capital improvement program (CIP) includes 11 planned water projects totaling an estimated
$2.63 million and 18 planned sewer projects totaling an estimated $14.07 million, over the five-year
period from FY 2021 to FY 2025. Exhibit 2.2.3 and Exhibit 2.2.4 provide a breakdown of capital spending
by funding source (with percent change from the previous year) for the base year and five-year planning
period for water and sewer, respectively. All water capital projects are anticipated to be cash funded,
while sewer capital projects are anticipated to be cash or debt funded.
NewGen 6 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Requirements
Exhibit 2.2.3 Planned Water Capital Projects by Funding Source
o Change, -36.2%20.0%
255.6%
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022
FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Exhibit 2.2.4 Planned Sewer Capital Projects by Funding Source
263.1%
-62.9%
150.0% -5.8%
o Change, -87.0
■
1 1
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
2.2.3 New Debt Service
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
■ Cash
■ Debt
■ Cash
For the sewer capital projects anticipated to be debt funded over the next five years, we have calculated
the principal and interest payments for the debt issuances. The debt issuances are assumed to have an
interest rate of 5.0%, a maturity of 20 years and an issuance expense of 1.50% (for bonding and legal
costs), with payments starting the year after issuance. Exhibit 2.2.5 provides a breakdown of the principal
NewGen 7 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Reauirements
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
and interest payments resulting from these debt issuances (with percent change from the previous year)
for the five-year planning period.
N $1.2
0
$1.0
$0.8
$0.6
$0.4
$0.2
$0.0
Exhibit 2.2.5 New Sewer Debt Service Payments
25.4% 0.0%
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
2.3 Revenue Requirements
FY 2024 FY 2025
■ Principal
■ Interest
The total annual cost of operating the City's water and sewer systems (the gross revenue requirements)
includes operating and maintenance expenses and current and future capital costs. The sum of these
costs, less any miscellaneous revenues (capacity charges, interest income, transfers from the General
Fund and other miscellaneous revenue), is the amount that needs to be recovered from rates (referred to
as the net revenue requirement).
Exhibit 2.3.1 and Exhibit 2.3.2 show the revenue requirements (with percent change from the previous
year) for the base year and the five-year planning period for water and sewer, respectively.
NewGen 8 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
2. Revenue Reauirements
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5 -
$3.0 -
$2.5 -
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5
$0.0
Exhibit 2.3.1 Water Revenue Requirements
aIv-
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5
$3.0 -
$2.5 -
$2.0 -
$1.5 -
$1.0 -
$0.5
$0.0
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
41.3%
■ Cash Funded Capital Projects
-26.2% -27.8%
■ Current Debt Service
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Exhibit 2.3.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements
48.7%
Change, 44.6%
-8.0%
-0.1%
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
■ Operating Expenses
■ New Debt Service
■ Cash Funded Capital Projects
■ Current Debt Service
■ Operating Expenses
NewGen 9 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
3. Water Usage and Sewage Generation August 2020
3. WATER USAGE AND SEWAGE GENERATION
Customers are currently charged water and sewer rates based on their metered water usage (billed in
1,000 -cubic feet units). Estimated FY 2020 annual billed water usage was 208,000 1,000 -cubic foot units
(i.e., 208 million cubic feet), while estimated FY 2020 sewage generation was 170,000 1,000 -cubic foot
units (i.e., 170 million cubic feet).
Based on the past five years of demand, water usage is expected to stay flat (no growth) while sewage
generation is expected to increase by 0.5 percent per year throughout the planning period. Exhibit 3.1.1
and Exhibit 3.1.2 show projected water usage and projected sewage generation for the base year and the
five-year planning period, respectively.
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
619 1919191
0
Exhibit 3. 1.1 Water Usage Projections (1,000 cubic feet)
Change, 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022
FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
NewGen 10 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
3. Water Usage and Sewage Generation August 2020
Exhibit 3.1.2 Sewage Generation Projections (1,000 cubic feet)
250,000
200,000
Change, 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%
150,000
100,000
50,000 11
0
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
There are also 230 flat rate sewer customers whose sewage is treated by Delaware County (as opposed
to the City of Columbus). Based on the past five years of demand, these customers are expected to
increase by 0.5 percent per year throughout the planning period. Exhibit 3.1.3 shows projected flat rate
sewer customers for the base year and the five-year planning period.
Exhibit 3.1.3 Flat Rate Sewer Customers
250 %Change, 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%
200
150
100
50
0
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022
FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
NewGen 11 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
4. Financial Plan and Pr000sed Rates Aueust 2020
4. FINANCIAL PLAN AND PROPOSED RATES
4.1 Current Revenue
In Section 2, the projected costs (revenue requirements) of the water and sewer systems were presented
and, in Section 3, projected water usage and sewage generation were presented. In this section, we use
those projections to determine an appropriate financial plan and set and sewer water rates for the next
five years.
The adequacy of revenues from current rates was evaluated in order to determine if existing rates are
sufficient to recover the revenue requirements. Exhibit 4.1.1 compares the revenue requirements (with
percent change from the previous year) with total current revenue projections for the base year and the
five-year planning period.
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5 —
$3.0 —
$2.5 —
$2.0
$1.5 -
$1.0 —
$0.5 —
$0.0 —
Exhibit 4.1.1 Water Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue
%Chnnae.-16_n%8.1%
41.3%
Cash Funded Capital Projects
-27.8%
� Current Debt Service
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
)erating Expenses
rrent Revenue
NewGen 12 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
4. Financial Plan and Pr000sed Rates
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5
$3.0
$2.5
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5
$0.0
Exhibit 4.1.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue
48.7%
-0.1%
Change, 44.6%
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
New Debt Service
Cash Funded Capital Projects
Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
—Current Revenue
Exhibit 4.1.1 and Exhibit 4.1.2 demonstrate that revenue collected at current rates is insufficient to cover
all of the revenue requirements for FY 2021 through FY 2025. Current water and sewer rates, if left in
place, would not generate sufficient revenue to fund the revenue requirements.
4.2 Proposed Revenue
In order to maintain the financial health of the City's water and sewer operations over the five-year
planning period, revenue needs to be increased. In addition to covering the revenue requirements,
revenue must also be sufficient to satisfy a cash balance equal to or greater than 360 days of operating
expenses (i.e., a year's worth of annual operating expenses). Current water and sewer rates (if left in
place) are not projected to generate sufficient revenue to fund the revenue requirements for FY 2021
through FY 2025.
To address these shortfalls, we propose the use of the current cash balances as well as adjusting rates on
a multi-year basis. Use of available cash and a multi-year approach will help mitigate rate increases over
the planning period and alleviate some of the financial burden to the City's customers. Additionally, this
approach will allow for proper planning and adjustment by customers and the City.
Exhibit 4.2.1 and Exhibit 4.2.2 compare the revenue requirements (with percentchange from the previous
year) with total current revenue projections and total proposed revenue projections for the base year and
the five-year planning period for water and sewer, respectively.
NewGen 13 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
4. Financial Plan and Pr000sed Rates
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
Exhibit 4.2.1 Water Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5
$3.0
$2.5 —
$2.0 — Change, -16.0 8.1% 41.3%_� Cash Funded Capital Projects
-26.2% -27.8% Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
$1.0 - —Proposed Revenue
$0.5 —Current Revenue
$0.0 —
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Exhibit 4.2.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue
Millions
$5.0 48.75v
$4.5
-17.8
$4.0 -0.1%
Change, 44.6%
$3.5 — New Debt Service
- . o
$3.0 Cash Funded Capital Projects
Current Debt Service
$2.5 Operating Expenses
$2.0 —Proposed Revenue
—Current Revenue
$1.5
$1.0 —
$0.5
$0.0
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
NewGen 14 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
4. Financial Plan and Proposed Rates August 2020
4.3 Water and Sewer Cash Balances
Exhibit 4.3.1 and Exhibit 4.3.2 show the operating balance and operating target for the base year and the
five-year planning period for water and sewer, respectively.
Exhibit 4.3.1 Water Cash Balance
Millions
$14 —
$12
$10
$8
$6
$4
$2
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Exhibit 4.3.2 Sewer Cash Balance
Millions
$14 —
$12 —
$10 —
$8 —
$6
$4
$2
$0
Ending Operating
Cash Balance
—Target Cash on Hand
Ending Operating
Cash Balance
—Target Cash on Hand
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
The exhibits reflect the use of cash balance to help mitigate rate increases while also meeting the
operating target of 360 days of operating expenses (i.e., a year's worth of annual operating expenses)
throughout the planning period.
NewGen 15 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
4. Financial Plan and Pr000sed Rates Aueust 2020
4.4 Current Water and Sewer Rates
The City's current water and sewer rate design consists of usage rates charged per 1,000 cubic feet (billed
either monthly or quarterly). It should be noted that the City of Columbus refers to these as "surcharges'
on the bills they send directly to City of Dublin customers as they are in addition to the rates charged by
the City of Columbus for water and sewer treatment services. It should also be noted that the surcharges
and rates shown on the bills from Columbus are expressed per 100 cubic feet (as opposed to 1,000 cubic
feet).
Exhibit 4.4.1 shows the current water and sewer rates.
Exhibit 4.4.1 Current Water and Sewer Rates
Water (per 1,000 cubic feet) $3.05
Sewer (per 1,000 cubic feet) $12.35
There is also a sewer flat rate charged per month to those customers whose sewage is treated by Delaware
County (as opposed to the City of Columbus). Exhibit 4.4.2 shows the current sewer flat rate.
Exhibit 4.4.2 Current Sewer Flat Rate
WIRf TIM
Sewer (per month) $13.60
4.5 Projected Water and Sewer Rates
For the five-year planning period, Exhibit 4.5.1 shows the projected water and sewer rates, while Exhibit
4.5.2 shows the projected sewer flat rate.
Exhibit 4.5.1 Projected Water and Sewer Rates
Exhibit 4.5.2 Projected Sewer Flat Rate
NewGen 16 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
5. Customer Bill Imoacts
5. CUSTOMER BILL IMPACTS
5.1 Sample Bills
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
Exhibit 5.1.1 provides a comparison of sample quarterly water bills with current (FY 2020) and FY 2021
rates for residential customers with varying usages.
Exhibit 5.1.1 Quarterly Sample Bills (Residential Customer)
5.2 Quarterly Bill Comparison
It can be useful for the City to compare sample bills of various utilities to a bill calculated using the City's
current and recommended rates. A comparison has been made between the City and three other water
and sewer utilities that, like the City of Dublin, purchase water from and send sewage to the City of
Columbus.
Exhibit 5.2.1 provides a comparison of a quarterly water bill for a customer with usage of 1,800 cubic feet
(the median for Dublin). It is important to note that the sample bills for the other utilities are calculated
using current rates and do not reflect potential increases that may not be currently available at this time.
Upper Arlington
Dublin (FY 2021)
Dublin (FY 2020)
Hilliard
Grove City
12
Exhibit 5.2.1 Example Quarterly Bill (1,800 cubic feet)
$18.42
$12.06
$5 $10 $15 $20 $25
$30.10
$28.55
$27.72
$30
Total
$35
NewGen 17 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study Version: FINAL
6. Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations August 2020
6. FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following findings, conclusions and recommendations were developed during the study.
6.1 Findings
The following findings were developed during the study:
Revenue collected at current rates is insufficient to cover all of the revenue requirements for FY
2021 through FY 2025. Current water and sewer rates, if left in place, would not generate
sufficient revenue to fund the revenue requirements.
Exhibit 6.1.1 Water Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0 —
$3.5
$3.0
$2.5 —
----- 8.1% 41.3%
$2.0 —
$1.5 —
$1.0 –
$0.5 –
$0.0 –
FY 2020
Cash Funded Capital Projects
0
Current Debt Service
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Operating Expenses
—Current Revenue
NewGen 18 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
6. Findines. Conclusions and Recommendations
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5
$3.0
$2.5
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5 —
$0.0 —
FY 2020
Exhibit 6.1.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements and Current Revenue
48.7%
-0.1%
6.2 Conclusions
FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Based on our findings, the following conclusions were drawn
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
New Debt Service
Cash Funded Capital Projects
Current Debt Service
Operating Expenses
—Current Revenue
• The City needs to increase water and sewer rates over the five-year planning period to keep
revenues in line with expenses and to fund the required operating and capital costs identified.
• The City should address the shortfalls in revenue through the use of current cash balances as well
as adjusting rates on a multi-year basis. This will allow the City to smooth rate increases over the
planning period (as shown by proposed revenue in the exhibits below) and mitigate customer rate
shock while meeting cash target requirements.
NewGen 19 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
6. Findines. Conclusions and Recommendations
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
Exhibit 6.2.1 Water Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue
Millions
$5.0
$4.5
$4.0
$3.5
$3.0 —
52.5 —
$2.0 Chai
16.0
8.1% 41.3% Cash Funded Capital Projects
-27.8% �Current Debt Service
$1.5 —
Operating Expenses
$1.0Proposed Revenue
$0.5 — I I I I I —Current Revenue
me:
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025
Exhibit 6.2.2 Sewer Revenue Requirements, Current Revenue and Proposed Revenue
Millions
$5.0
48.75v
$4.5
$4.0
Change, 44.6
$3.5
� New Debt Service
-8.0%
Cash Funded Capital Projects
$3.0
Current Debt Service
$2.5
Operating Expenses
$2.0
—Proposed Revenue
—Current Revenue
$1.5
$1.0 —
$0.5
$0.0
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022
FY 2023
FY 2024 FY 2025
NewGen 20 City of Dublin
Water and Sewer Rate Study
6. Findines. Conclusions and Recommendations
6.3 Recommendations
Based on our conclusions, the following recommendations were made:
Adopt the following recommended rates for the next five years.
Exhibit 6.3.1 Projected Water and Sewer Rates
Version: FINAL
Aueust2020
Exhibit 6.3.2 Projected Sewer Flat Rate
Review rates and charges on an annual basis and revise as needed. Consider a full cost of service
study for all rates and charges every four to five years. While it is recommended to adopt rates
and charges for five years so they do not have to be revisited and voted on every year by the City
Council, it is financially prudent to review expenses and revenues annually to ensure actual values
are relatively in line with those projected.
NewGen 21 City of Dublin