Summary of Specifications:
Benefit Assessment
Request for Proposal
Introduction
The Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (DCWWA or Authority), is soliciting proposals from qualified professional engineering and/or land use planning service firms to provide technical assistance regarding the assessment of Benefit Units within existing Zones of Assessment of the Dutchess County Water District.
The DCWWA currently provides water service to several Zones of Assessment, with specific Benefit Assessment Methodologies currently employed for the purpose of allocating and collecting annual debt service expenses. Several of these systems are located within the Town of Hyde Park, which has recently adopted revised Zoning & Subdivision Laws. The significant changes from the previous Zoning and Subdivision Laws make it necessary to reevaluate the assignment of benefit units to all parcels within these Zones of Assessment. Concurrent with this process, DCWWA would like to take this opportunity to consider modifying the existing Benefit Assessment Methodologies. Anticipated services will be provided in phases described herein.
Scope of Work
Purpose:
This RFP is made necessary due to changes in the local zoning and subdivision laws adopted in 2005 by the Town of Hyde Park. Alterations include shifts in land use district boundaries, allowable uses and densities, and bulk regulations. These substantial changes require a complete and thoughtful review of how Benefit Units are assigned. This review will be broken down into several phases, as described below. Future consultant assistance may include Assessment Roll defense during the DCBBAR grievance review process and with any subsequent litigation.
Phase A: Reassess All Parcels
The successful proposer will reassess all parcels within Zones of Assessment A, B, C and D in accordance with revised Zoning & Subdivision Law and existing benefit assessment methodologies. All determinations will be organized in a database or spreadsheet including the basic information detailed in Attachment E or similar staff accepted product in electronic format. Additional parcel specific files should be named and organized to include owner name and tax grid number. Sketches and maps shall accompany determinations for parcels with complex situations. Copies of all maps, notes, determinations and electronic products will be returned to the Authority.
The consultant will work with DCWWA staff to evaluate benefit unit allocations and rate implications caused by changes in zoning & subdivision law.
DCWWA Staff will provide guidance on how to proceed through following phases.
Phase B: Develop Recommendations for Alternative or Modified Benefit Assessment Methodology(ies)
The successful proposer may be requested to work with DCWWA staff to identify and evaluate potential alternatives or modifications to the existing Benefit Assessment Methodologies. Work performed pursuant to this Phase will be compensated on an hourly basis.
Phase C: Defense of Final Methodology during Annual Grievance Process
At the DCWWA’s discretion, the Consultant may be asked to attend grievance hearings, review grievance applications and make recommendations to the DCWWA Staff and Board of Assessment Review. The proposer may be requested to provide assistance and present Benefit Assessment Information in the event of subsequent legal challenges. Work preformed pursuant to this Phase will be compensated on an hourly basis.
Interviews
The Authority at its option may request interviews with selected Proposers. All Proposers are advised that they should be available for interview from Wednesday June 14, 2006 through Friday June 16, 2006 at the Authority’s offices. The Authority will be as accommodating as its schedule allows in scheduling interviews.
Process for Questions and Clarifications Any questions or requests for clarification with regard to this Request for Proposal should be submitted in writing to:
Bridget Barclay Deputy Director Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority 27 High Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Questions or requests for clarifications may be transmitted to the Authority by US Mail, courier or electronic facsimile 845-486-3610. All questions and requests for clarification must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 30, 2006. The Authority will make its best effort to respond to written clarifications or questions by Friday June 2, 2006.
Copies of complete Request for Proposals
Copies of the Request for Proposals are available by calling (845-486-3610), by request at DCWWA office at 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie NY 12601 or via our website at http://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/WaterandWaste/WR ndex.htm.
Proposal Submittal
Proposals shall be received at the Authority’s offices at 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 no later than 3:00 P.M. on Monday June 12, 2006. Proposals received after this time and date will not be accepted and will be rejected as non-responsive.
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