Solvang Planet bids #141592

City of Solvang Seeks Consulting Firm for Comprehensive Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study

The City of Solvang Utilities Department is seeking a qualified consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study to ensure the financial sustainability of its utility services. - Government Buyer: - City of Solvang Utilities Department - Office of the City Clerk - Utility Director: Jose Acosta - Products and Services Requested: - Comprehensive Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study - Evaluation of current and projected revenues and costs - Development of equitable, legally compliant rate structures (Prop 218 compliance) - Financial modeling and 10-year planning horizon - Customer class analysis and cost allocation - Preparation of rate and fee alternatives - Public outreach, advisory committee coordination, and City Council presentations - Final report with actionable recommendations - Stormwater Utility Funding Technical Memo - Research and recommendations for stormwater funding mechanisms - Review of costs and capital improvement program - Technical memo deliverable - Consultant Meetings and Presentations - Participation in kickoff, advisory committee (4-6 meetings), public outreach, and City Council meetings - Product Line Items (Fees to be evaluated): - Water and wastewater connection fees for various meter sizes (5/8" to 6") - Sewer lateral installation inspection, sewer saddle tap, water service installation inspection - Water meter installation (various sizes), meter/radio charges (various models), meter downsizing, temporary meter/fire hydrant, meter test, 30-day report - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance with California Proposition 218 - 10-year financial planning horizon - Coordination with multiple community services districts (Santa Ynez, Los Olivos) - Public engagement and advisory committee involvement - Preparation of a technical memo for stormwater utility funding - No specific OEMs or vendors are mandated; open to all qualified professional consulting firms.

Description

The City of Solvang is soliciting proposals from qualified professional firms to prepare a comprehensive Water and Wastewater Rate and Fee Study. The selected consultant will evaluate the City’s current and projected revenues and costs, develop equitable and legally compliant rate structures, and recommend funding strategies to support ongoing operations and long-term capital improvement needs. The study includes development of a financial model, analysis of customer classes and cost allocation, and preparation of rate and fee alternatives consistent with California law, including Proposition 218. The consultant will also support public outreach, advisory committee coordination, and City Council presentations, culminating in a final report with clear, implementable recommendations to ensure the financial sustainability of the City’s water and wastewater utilities.

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