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Task 2. Ten -Year Financial Plan <br />Objective: RDN will review City data to develop a 10-year financial plan for each utility system. RDN will <br />determine the future revenue requirements to sufficiently fund the City's operation and maintenance (O&M) <br />and capital replacements and refurbishment (R&R) program. We will analyze the City's annual reports, capital <br />improvement programs, interest earnings, background information for the system including existing regulatory <br />requirements, bond covenants and other contractual requirements, historical revenues, operating expenses, <br />debt service requirements, reserve policies, approved rates and charges, customer billing and usage data, <br />minimum operating reserve balances, master plans, and any other pertinent information. As appropriate, and <br />as discussed with City staff, we will consider various financing options, or a combination of options, such as <br />operating revenue, new debt issuances, and miscellaneous fees. <br />Task 2.1. Demand Projections/Revenue Analysis <br />RDN will conduct detailed demand and growth projections to ensure the City's revenue forecast and cash flow <br />analysis are accurate. Water consumption is influenced by price signals, weather/rainfall, high -efficiency <br />technologies, drought mandates, and conservation programs. We will first evaluate how the City's customers' <br />water consumption patterns have changed historically, and then incorporate City growth and redevelopment <br />trends and the elasticity of customer demand in response to various rate increase scenarios to project future <br />water demand. Based on the demand projections, we will forecast revenue using the existing rates. We will also <br />identify any changes to other revenues such as miscellaneous charges, property taxes, and investment income. <br />Task 2.2. Operation and Maintenance Expenses <br />Using the City's budgetary documents, we will project operating and maintenance (C&M) expenses and develop <br />reasonable inflationary factors for relevant itemized expenses using reliable published sources or the City's <br />historical data. We also incorporate any known changes to personnel, level of service, or projected growth. Each <br />expense item will be categorized as either fixed orvariable and direct or indirect to ensure that costs are allocated <br />to the correct rate structure components when designing future rates. RDN will also review the 2019 financial <br />plan used for the previous rate study and analyze the adequacy of the current plan. <br />Task 2.3. Capital Improvement Funding <br />RDN will review the Citys capital projects plan and explore financing options based on the timing of proposed <br />revenue adjustments and scheduled repairs and replacements. Funding sources may include cash reserves, grant <br />funding, debt proceeds, or PAYGO (pay as you go), each with different financial impacts. The City may also consider <br />changes in capital expenditure timing to mitigate short-term financial impacts and smooth revenue requirements. <br />Task 2.4. Review Reserve Policies <br />RDN will review the City's current reserve levels and provide recommendations based on the City's policy <br />objectives. Once recommendations are established, we will develop an implementation plan that maintains <br />recommended balances for each fund consistent with the City's financial goals, risk tolerance, and capital <br />improvement projects. Reserve balances will be consistent with industry standards and the City's desire to <br />appropriately address risk associated with various factors, including emergency expenditures or revenue <br />shortfalls. <br />