 A public utility is an entity that provides service to the public for which it collects a fee based on the service provided. Water, sanitary sewers, storm drainage and solid waste collection services may be classified as utilities; and service charges may be levied. To be classified as a public utility function, the service provided must be measurable and necessary, and there must be an equitable means of determining the cost of the service to be allocated to each user. MuniFinancial staff, along with engineers from Willdan, an affiliated company, provides the following services:
- Research services and capital needs to be funded through the utility rates;
- Prepare the necessary documentation to establish rate structures;
- Define the necessary requirements for a parcel to be exempt-public and institutional parcels may be included;
- Assist in determining the way the charges will be collected, either through a monthly or quarterly utility bill or through property taxes;
- Develop a policy for responding to unpaid bills through the discontinuing of service; and
- Where bonds are to be issued, provide support for a community outreach program, assist in analyzing the rates required to support the bond amount and work closely with the financing team to produce necessary documentation.
|
