Our services include most of the financial and management aspects facing local governments. 
      
Services are categorized as follows:  
 

Our breadth of experience enables us to remain current with federal and state laws affecting our clients and to develop analytical tools such as the Utility Rate Planning and Forecasting Model (PAR) computer software which allows our consultants to concentrate on the technical issues instead of data manipulation.  A more detailed description of our services follows:
   
  
 
  

• User Charge/Rate Studies ‑ Our approach is based on the premise that there are two separate issues involved in this area (i.e., "cost of services" and "rate design").  It is also based on AWWA and WEF national guides which are customized to meet the client's specific objectives and needs.  We normally suggest a multi‑year analysis where expenses drive revenues, and the cost of service is tied to operating and capital budgets and must take into account properly allocated indirect costs.  All assumptions are documented and council participation is recommended.
  
  
• Acquisition Studies - These services generally involve a determination of the financial and operational feasibility of combining another utility or district with a city/county utility.  A key component of these studies is the valuation of the utility's fixed assets.
  
  
• Solid Waste Management Cost of Service & Planning Studies - We have been engaged by municipalities, counties, and regional districts to identify the full cost of providing solid waste services and to assist these entities in making various decisions related to their financial health.
  
  
• Impact Fee Studies ‑ Impact fees, also known as system development charges, are used to allocate the costs of increasing capacity among the users of the new capacity.  Our approach considers both the "incremental method", used primarily for new construction, and the "buy‑in method", used when there is existing capacity.  All capital costs incurred in constructing new system capacity are recovered through fees paid only by new customers.  In our studies, we can, if needed, determine the full cost of impact fees and present the consequences of implementing only partial fees.Financial Feasibility Studies – For debt issues requiring feasibility studies, we can perform comprehensive financial feasibility studies including rate requirements and projections of all financial statements and coverage ratios.  Our studies can consider all revenue sources (e.g., impact fees).
    
  
• Storm Water User Fee Studies ‑ There are significant differences between county and City utilities and we have experience with both.  Our approach is to provide assistance with all aspects of establishing a storm water utility (i.e., feasibility analysis, program/fee design and implementation).
    
  
• Financial Planning ‑ Long range capital improvement programs require that expenditures be planned in advance, in order to assure stability and smoothness in rates, as well as to optimize financing arrangements.  We utilize a multi‑year financial model (PAR) to develop and answer "what‑if" questions.    
    
  
• Expert Witness ‑ Litigation Support – We have supported its clients regarding several legal matters, working closely with the clients' detailed supporting analyses.